Illustration til "Soria Moria slot" 1870 - 1883

This illustration for "Soria Moria Castle" was made by F. Hendriksen, and its date is unknown. It evokes the shadowy world of Norwegian folklore. Hendriksen visualizes a moment of hardship and reflection. An elderly woman, perhaps a symbol of ancient wisdom or a figure burdened by time, stands with a cane outside a simple dwelling. A black cat crosses her path, a classic omen in folklore. The scene is composed with strong contrasts, typical of the period’s interest in stark realism and emotional depth. Created in a time when Norway was rediscovering and asserting its cultural identity, the image speaks to a fascination with old stories, and the lives of ordinary people. To fully understand this work, we need to explore not only the stories that it illustrates, but also the visual language of folklore in 19th-century art. Investigating the visual codes of the time, along with social histories of daily life in Norway, can further illuminate the role of art in shaping national identity.