Gezicht op Rjukanfossen, een waterval in Telemark c. 1890 - 1900

Axel Lindahl made this photograph of the Rjukanfossen waterfall in Telemark, Norway, sometime in the late 19th century. In this albumen print, Lindahl shows the dramatic falls in the context of its steep, rocky valley. At the foot of the falls he has included two figures who look up towards the torrent of water, dwarfed by the natural wonder before them. This image speaks to the late 19th-century interest in landscape photography as a way of documenting the world, but also of capturing the sublime power of nature. In Norway, landscape photography and painting became important tools in the development of a sense of national identity, tied to the unique geography of the country. You might think about how photographs like this one helped to promote tourism and shape Norway’s image as a destination for travelers seeking untouched natural beauty. As historians, we can look at photography not just as a record of what was there, but as a carefully constructed image that reflects particular cultural values and historical forces. Studying tourist guides, travel writing, and other visual materials from the period can help us better understand the cultural significance of Lindahl’s photograph.