Landscape, Waterfall 1816

J.C. Dahl created this landscape painting with oil on canvas during a time when nationalism and romanticism were on the rise in Europe. Dahl, who was Norwegian, sought to portray the grandeur and sublime beauty of the natural world. This approach served as a means of establishing a distinct cultural identity, particularly relevant in a period of political change and national awakening. What strikes me is how the artist portrays nature as both powerful and nurturing: the cottage nestled within the landscape emphasizes a harmonious relationship. It is a reflection of the longing for a simpler, more authentic way of life, away from the industrializing cities. There is an interesting tension between the untamed wilderness and the tranquil domesticity. As you reflect on Dahl's work, consider the ways in which it may be read as both a personal and collective expression of cultural pride and identity.