Desolation 1900

"Desolation" (1900) is a haunting wood engraving by Norwegian artist Theodor Kittelsen, known for his fantastical and often melancholic depictions of nature. The artwork features a bare tree silhouetted against a moonlit sky, its branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. A large nest sits high in the tree, emphasizing the emptiness of the scene. The stark black and white palette and the solitary, isolated imagery contribute to the overall sense of despair and loneliness, which is amplified by the title. This work is a powerful example of Kittelsen's signature style, which often explored themes of nature's wildness and the fragility of life.