Askeladden og trollet (på flya) 1910

Theodor Kittelsen's "Askeladden og trollet (på flya)" from 1910 depicts a scene of a lone man fleeing from a monstrous, mossy troll in the forest. The painting, created during Kittelsen's prolific period of illustrating Norwegian folktales, captures the essence of these dark and fantastical stories. The man's frantic pace, the eerie forest, and the looming presence of the troll combine to create a palpable sense of dread. Kittelsen's mastery of light and shadow enhances the dramatic effect, making the painting a compelling and iconic depiction of the Norwegian folklore tradition.