Ragnar Lodbrog meets Kraka 

Mårten Eskil Winge created this painting of ‘Ragnar Lodbrok meets Kraka’ using oil on canvas, a material that allows for a layered approach to building up tones, textures, and depth. The artist skillfully builds a convincing depiction of a Viking boat interior. Note the contrast between the rough-hewn wooden planks of the deck and the refined details on Ragnar’s clothing, and the gleaming helmet of the warrior behind him. Winge has carefully rendered the varying textures of cloth, metal, and hair in his figurative representation of Norse legendary saga. Through the materiality of oil paint, Winge evokes a sense of the past and its enduring legacy. The detailed rendering emphasizes the tangible, material world of the Vikings, but also hints at the complex social dynamics within their society. The painting celebrates Norse history, and also prompts us to think about the relationship between labor, class, and material culture. Ultimately, this artwork demonstrates how the choice of materials and techniques can shape our understanding of history and culture.