Foxgloves

In the painting Foxgloves by Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928) white birch trunks are closely distributed across the pictorial surface. A few trees are cut down, however, creating an opening into the middle ground, where two little girls are picking berries.

They are positioned symmetrically and together with the tree trunks contribute to giving the composition a serene atmosphere. Winding its way down the slope is a little stream with briskly running water, and in the foreground verdant foxgloves tower amidst the birch trunks and moss-covered stones.

The motif stems from Nikolai Astrup’s native village of Jølster and in this sense is characteristic of his production. Astrup is without a doubt one of Norway’s most beloved visual artists and has contributed to shaping how we view and perceive the Norwegian landscape.

OWG