Sivlefossen i Nærødalen, Noorwegen c. 1870 - 1900

Knud Knudsen made this photograph of Sivlefossen waterfall in Nærødalen, Norway, sometime in the late 19th century. It’s a landscape, but it's also a product of its time, reflecting Norway's burgeoning national identity. In the 19th century, Norway was seeking to define itself culturally and politically. Photography played a crucial role by visually documenting the nation's geography. Knudsen, among others, captured the dramatic fjords, mountains, and waterfalls that became symbols of Norwegian identity. These images were used to promote tourism, but also to foster a sense of national pride and belonging. To understand this image better, we can research the history of Norwegian photography and the cultural trends of the time. We can also explore how institutions like museums and tourism boards used these images to shape perceptions of Norway both at home and abroad. Art, after all, is always embedded in its social and institutional context.