Sommerdag, Balestrand 

Amaldus Nielsen created this landscape painting with oil on canvas, a classic choice for its time. But it is not just the materials, but the way Nielsen works with them, that gives this painting its evocative quality. You can almost feel the cool, damp air rising from the fjord. Notice how he builds up the surfaces of the mountains with thick daubs of paint, creating a rough texture that contrasts with the smoother, more blended treatment of the sky and water. This is a painter who understands his materials. And it is also interesting to consider the social context in which Nielsen was working. In the late 19th century, Norway was experiencing a surge of national romanticism, and artists like Nielsen sought to capture the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. By depicting the landscape as a source of national pride, Nielsen elevated his craft beyond mere representation, contributing to a broader cultural movement. Ultimately, this is more than just a landscape; it is a material testament to a nation's identity.