Tulla 

Theodor Severin Kittelsen made this work, titled 'Tulla', using ink on paper. It's a simple study of a child's face. Kittelsen was Norwegian, and lived during a time of great social change. Norway was experiencing a growth in national identity, and artists like Kittelsen looked to folklore and local traditions for inspiration. His work often features mythical creatures and landscapes. It's a romantic reflection on nature and nation. But this image is different, it is of a person, and, though simple, has great depth. It may be a study for a larger work, or perhaps a personal memento. Understanding this image requires us to look beyond the art itself, and consider Kittelsen's life, the cultural movements of his time, and the institutional settings where his art was displayed and consumed. We might look at letters, diaries, exhibition catalogs, and critical reviews. These are the resources to understand the rich social and cultural context that shaped his artistic vision.