Aftensol, Hvaler 1898

Editor: This is Amaldus Nielsen’s "Aftensol, Hvaler," painted in 1898. It appears to be an oil painting depicting a sunset. There's such a calm feeling to it. The sun reflecting on the water is really captivating. What do you see in this piece, and what's your interpretation of its dreamy aesthetic? Curator: Oh, it sings to my soul! Nielsen was a master of capturing light. For me, it's all about the mood – the way the colours melt together, creating this sense of quiet reflection. See how he uses those thick brushstrokes, impasto, to catch the sunlight? It’s almost tactile. I can practically feel the cool air and hear the gentle lapping of waves. It whispers of solitude, wouldn’t you agree? Almost a personal experience he wanted to transcribe through romanticism. Editor: Absolutely! That impasto technique you pointed out brings the painting to life. So he’s really trying to emphasize nature and romantic themes, which resonates even today, it’s impressive. It reminds me of Turner. Is there anything unique about Nielsen’s approach compared to other landscape painters of that time? Curator: He's less dramatic than Turner. Nielsen seeks intimacy, he looks inward while Turner often captures grandiosity. It is less about drama and more about quiet contemplation. Look at the stillness, it is all so very intimate and personal. Almost as if he has managed to bottle the most secret moment to later show the world and connect in that stillness with them. Editor: That makes perfect sense. I’ve gained a totally different view of it. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! Hopefully it reminds us all to find those quiet moments, doesn’t it? The sort we wish would last forever!