The 12 wild ducks 12 villender 1897

“The 12 Wild Ducks,” by Theodor Severin Kittelsen, invites us into a Nordic landscape. Born in Norway, Kittelsen’s life was marked by financial hardship and health struggles, which deeply influenced his artistic vision. The painting presents a vast expanse of water and sky, where the boundary between the tangible and ethereal blurs. The wild ducks, rendered with a delicate touch, seem to navigate both realms, their flight echoing Kittelsen’s own search for solace amidst personal turmoil. Kittelsen was deeply concerned with the human condition and man's relationship to nature. He imbues his images with a sense of melancholy, hinting at the transient nature of existence. The artist aimed to express “Norwegian folk life and the Norwegian national character." His images have a raw and honest quality that speaks to the heart of our shared human experiences. The painting serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between inner emotional states and the outer world.