Peder Balke
1804 - 1887
Balke was among the first artists to paint the far north of his native Norway. By the 1860s, lack of commercial success led him to give up painting professionally.
The small scenes he then executed for his own pleasure are now recognised as highly original improvisations. Forgotten for a century, he is an important Scandinavian rediscovery.
Related paintings
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

