Hardanger Fjord 

Hans Gude painted this view of Hardanger Fjord in Norway, but we can't be sure exactly when. This picture speaks volumes about the cultural and social context of landscape painting in the 19th century. The dramatic scene, with its towering mountains and serene waters, reflects the romantic nationalism that swept through Europe at the time. Artists like Gude were looking to the landscape for a sense of national identity and cultural pride. The fjord becomes a symbol of Norway's unique beauty and untamed spirit. We can consider it a cultural touchstone for Norwegians. What’s interesting is that Gude trained at the Düsseldorf Academy, which at the time was known for its highly structured and idealized approach to landscape painting. So, in some ways Gude’s romantic vision of Norway was shaped by the institutional forces of the art world itself. To fully appreciate the painting we can consult historical documents and art criticism from the period. Through this kind of research we can better understand the changing role of landscape in the construction of national identity.