Norwegian Fjord

Hans Dahl was best known for his paintings of Norwegian fjords and landscapes painted in brilliant sunlight. Many of his works included smiling people dressed in national costumes.

Although he showed an aptitude for art as a youth, Dahl did not begin his formal training until 1874, after serving in the Swedish army. Early in his career his work became associated with the Düsseldorf School of painting, which was characterized by finely detailed yet still fanciful landscapes. Later on, Dahl was severely criticized by fellow artists for resisting the transition from romanticism to naturalism, which characterized Norwegian art of the period.