March 1890

Editor: So, this is Theodor Kittelsen’s "March," created in 1890 using watercolor and ink. It depicts two ravens perched on a snow-covered branch. There's a stark contrast between the dark birds and the muted landscape behind them... the overall feel is quite ominous, actually. How do you interpret this piece? Curator: Ominous is a good word. Think about Kittelsen's historical context. Norway in the late 19th century was experiencing a surge of nationalism alongside a fascination with folklore and the darker sides of nature. The raven is a potent symbol, isn’t it? Traditionally linked to death and prophecy across many cultures, it certainly resonated with the rising tide of Symbolism. Editor: Definitely. But are you saying the ravens are solely symbolic here? Could they also represent something more immediate within Norwegian society at that time? Curator: It's not an either/or situation, really. What were the prevailing cultural anxieties then? Rapid industrialization, urbanization... Loss of traditional ways of life. Perhaps these birds aren't just messengers of doom, but represent a disquiet about the present and the future. Notice how they are huddled together almost for support on a thin branch of existence, against the stormy background. Would that change your idea of this art? Editor: Absolutely. It's not just a dark omen; it's about societal anxieties being manifested visually. Curator: Precisely. And how the institutions and artists reflected these feelings into forms that appealed to public emotions in those periods. How do the landscapes, use of watercolors or the drawing itself affect your view on how that kind of nationalism developed and got rooted in people? Editor: Thinking about it now, I realize the art becomes a social commentary that’s visually striking! It uses widely understandable signs of danger, but also paints in feelings of longing and perhaps hopelessness! Curator: Yes, It truly reveals the potential for art to encapsulate socio-political sentiment. Thank you for this discussion.