Desolation 1900

Theodor Severin Kittelsen made this print called "Desolation" using a technique called drypoint. The method involves scratching directly into a copper plate with a sharp needle, and then printing the image. Look closely, and you'll see a slightly fuzzy line, caused by the burr of metal that the needle throws up as it cuts through the plate. This painstaking, physically demanding work allowed Kittelsen to create these nuanced gradations of light and dark. The velvety blacks and ghostly greys evoke the stark beauty of the Nordic landscape. The bare tree and empty nest suggest a scene of abandonment. Consider the labor involved in crafting such a detailed image, and how this effort mirrors the resilience required to survive in such a harsh environment. Ultimately, it is the artist's engagement with the material, the directness of his touch, and the historical context of craft traditions that give this print its enduring power. It challenges us to see the value in both the visible and the invisible labor that shapes our world.