Regnstemning, Mandal 1858

Amaldus Nielsen made this painting, "Regnstemning, Mandal," using oil paints on canvas. These are, of course, the traditional materials of fine art. But in Nielsen’s hands, they become something more. The work’s material influence on its appearance is immediately obvious. The inherent qualities of oil paint, its viscosity and capacity for layering, have been exploited to create a scene heavy with atmosphere. You can almost feel the dampness in the air. Notice how the brushstrokes themselves seem to mimic the rough textures of the wooden structures and the rugged landscape, all achieved through deliberate application of oil paint. The artist’s technique—the layering and blending of oil paints to capture the mood and atmosphere—emphasizes the sheer amount of work involved in creating the scene, tying it to wider social issues of labor and the working class. By focusing on the textures and forms of working structures, Nielsen elevates these everyday subjects, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.