Kirkegaarden Paa Braatebakken 

Theodor Severin Kittelsen created "Kirkegaarden Paa Braatebakken," depicting a cemetery scene, through a black and white medium. Kittelsen, who lived between 1857 and 1914, spent a significant portion of his life in poverty. His artwork often explores themes of nature, folklore, and melancholy, deeply rooted in Norwegian cultural identity. During his lifetime, Norway sought to establish its cultural identity, in the face of its union with Sweden. In this picture, the cemetery isn't presented in a traditional, peaceful way; it's filled with shadows. A sense of unease and mystery pervades the scene. The gate is not quite inviting and raises questions about who is included or excluded in Norwegian national identity, particularly concerning class. The emotional weight of loss, combined with the social disparities is palpable.