Fredriksberg Fortifications on Nordnes in Bergen 1834

Johan Christian Dahl created this oil painting of Fredriksberg Fortifications on Nordnes in Bergen, using traditional materials of the time. The loose brushwork and muted palette give the painting an unfinished, sketch-like quality. Dahl captures the rugged Norwegian landscape with thick impasto, building up the rocky foreground and distant fortifications. The materiality of the paint itself becomes a key element, conveying the texture and weight of the natural environment. Consider the work involved in the production process, from mining pigments to preparing the canvas and mixing paints. The artist's skill lies in harnessing these materials to create an evocative and atmospheric scene. By focusing on the materials and making of this artwork, we can appreciate the artist's craft and gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.