Theodor Severin Kittelsen Paintings

Theodor Severin Kittelsen was a renowned Norwegian artist born on April 27, 1857, in the coastal town of Kragerø, Norway. He is especially famous for his nature paintings, as well as for his illustrations of fairy tales and legends, particularly of trolls.

Kittelsen’s artistic journey began when he was apprenticed to a watchmaker, which was short-lived due to his undeniable talent and interest in drawing. At the age of 17, with the financial support of a patron, he went on to study at the Royal School of Art and Design in Oslo (then called Christiania). Afterward, he traveled to Munich to continue his studies, which was a common path for Scandinavian artists seeking a more comprehensive art education. In Munich, Kittelsen was exposed to the works of the German Romantic painters, which influenced his own style.

In 1882, Kittelsen returned to Norway and lived in Lofoten, where he was inspired by the dramatic landscapes and began to develop his distinctive style, marked by a mystical and romantic portrayal of nature. He produced a series of works that depicted the raw beauty of the Norwegian countryside and sea, which were well received and started to establish his reputation as an artist.

Kittelsen’s talent in illustrating fairy tales and folklore was recognized when he was commissioned to illustrate Norwegian folktales gathered by the folklorist Peter Christen Asbjørnsen. His work on these tales, as well as on the legends of trolls, which he depicted with a unique blend of humor and eeriness, captured the imagination of the Norwegian public. Kittelsen's trolls have become iconic in Scandinavian folklore, and his illustrations still define the visual representation of these mythical creatures.

The artist’s later years were marked by financial difficulties and ill health, yet he continued to produce poignant art that resonated with the people of Norway. His last years were spent in relative poverty, but his contribution to Norwegian art and culture remained significant. Kittelsen died on January 21, 1914, in Jeløya, Norway.

Today, Kittelsen is remembered as one of Norway's most important artists, with his works being featured in national art collections and museums. His legacy endures particularly in Norway, where his images of the natural world and mythical beings have become part of the national consciousness.