Mama 

Theodor Severin Kittelsen made this drawing, simply titled "Mama", with graphite on paper. Though a simple sketch, its very existence hints at a shifting social structure in late 19th century Norway. Kittelsen, born in 1857, was supported by benefactors to attend art school. This points to a developing institutional art world, where artists could receive formal training and patronage outside the traditional aristocratic system. He is best known for his illustrations of fairy tales and legends, often depicting nature and folklore. The choice of subject matter reflects a growing national romantic movement, focusing on uniquely Norwegian identity and culture. This pride in national identity and a cultural heritage is associated with a rising sense of self-determination against foreign powers. While this drawing is a simple portrait of his mother, it could be seen as part of this broader trend. The act of portraying a common person, especially one's mother, elevates the everyday and underscores the importance of family and national identity. To understand it better, look at archives of Norwegian art schools and collections of folklore from the period, revealing the complex interplay between art, identity, and social change.