Edvard Skari (1839-1903) stands as a significant, if sometimes overlooked, figure in the rich tapestry of 19th-century Norwegian art. A dedicated painter and an early adopter of photography, Skari carved a distinct niche for himself with his evocative and meticulously detailed portrayals of Norway's maritime life and its dramatic natural landscapes. His work, primarily executed in a Realist style, offers a valuable window into the nation's profound connection with the sea, capturing everything from the perilous endeavors of whalers and sealers to the bustling activity of coastal communities. While perhaps not a revolutionary instigator of artistic movements, Skari was a masterful practitioner whose canvases resonate with authenticity and a deep appreciation for his homeland's elemental character.
Early Life and Artistic Formation
Born in Christiania (now Oslo) in 1839, though with roots in the Hadeland region, Edvard Skari's artistic inclinations emerged in a Norway that was steadily forging its cultural identity, distinct from centuries of Danish and Swedish influence. The mid-19th century was a period of burgeoning national consciousness, and art played a crucial role in defining and celebrating Norwegian heritage and landscape.
To hone his skills, Skari, like many aspiring Scandinavian artists of his time, sought training abroad. He enrolled at the prestigious Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, a central institution for artistic education in the Nordic region. There, he had the invaluable opportunity to study under Carl Frederik Sørensen (1818–1879), a highly regarded Danish marine painter. Sørensen's influence was undoubtedly profound, instilling in Skari a disciplined approach to capturing the nuances of the sea, the play of light on water, and the accurate rendering of ships and maritime activities. This academic grounding provided Skari with the technical prowess that would become a hallmark of his mature work.
A Dual Passion: Painting and Photography
Upon completing his studies, Skari embarked on a career that saw him active in both Norway, particularly in Christiania and the Lofoten Islands, and Denmark, where his works found a receptive audience and were published. Unusually for the time, Skari was not only a painter but also an avid photographer. This dual engagement is significant. Photography, then a relatively new medium, was beginning to impact the visual arts. For an artist like Skari, committed to Realism, photography could have served multiple purposes: as a tool for capturing fleeting moments, for detailed studies of subjects, or as an independent art form.
While direct evidence of how his photographic practice specifically informed his painting compositions is not extensively documented, it is plausible that the camera's eye for detail and its ability to freeze motion complemented his painterly pursuit of accuracy. His interest in photography underscores his modern outlook and his commitment to capturing the world around him with veracity.
The Call of the Sea: Dominant Themes in Skari's Art
The sea is the undeniable protagonist in Edvard Skari's oeuvre. His canvases are replete with scenes of Norway's rugged coastline, its deep fjords, and the vast, often tempestuous, expanses of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. This thematic focus was not arbitrary; it reflected Norway's economic, cultural, and psychological dependence on the sea. Fishing, whaling, sealing, and maritime trade were lifelines for the nation, and Skari's art documented these vital aspects of Norwegian existence.
His depictions of whaling and sealing expeditions are particularly noteworthy. These were dangerous, arduous undertakings, and Skari did not shy away from portraying the raw, dramatic reality of these hunts. His works convey the immense power of nature, the courage and resilience of the seafarers, and the often-brutal struggle for survival and livelihood in harsh environments. Beyond these dramatic scenes, Skari also painted more tranquil aspects of maritime life, such as fishing boats navigating calm waters or bustling harbor scenes, capturing the daily rhythms of coastal communities.
Masterworks of Maritime Realism
Several key works exemplify Edvard Skari's artistic vision and technical skill. Among his most celebrated paintings is "Sealing in the Arctic" (Selfangst i Ishavet), completed in 1883. This large-scale panoramic oil painting, measuring approximately 129.5 x 186.2 cm, is a powerful depiction of a seal hunt in the icy northern waters. The painting is characterized by its meticulous detail, from the rendering of the ice floes and the specialized sealing vessels to the intense activity of the hunters. It’s a dynamic composition that immerses the viewer in the scene. "Sealing in the Arctic" was significant enough to serve as the basis for illustrations published in Copenhagen's Stilling Magazin, and engravings of the work were later produced by the Danish engravers Louis Henrik Sørensen and Henrik Sørensen in 1884. Today, this important piece is housed in the New Bedford Whaling Museum, a testament to its historical and artistic significance in the context of maritime art.
Another significant work is "Rikt Båtliv i Lofoten" (Rich Boat Life in Lofoten), painted in 1889. Measuring 96 x 120 cm, this oil on canvas captures the vibrant maritime activity characteristic of the Lofoten Islands, a region famed for its dramatic scenery and rich fishing grounds. The painting likely depicts numerous fishing vessels, showcasing the communal and economic importance of fishing in this iconic Norwegian archipelago. It reflects Skari's keen observational skills and his ability to translate the lively atmosphere of such scenes onto canvas. This work is recognized as an important piece within Norwegian art history, reflecting both natural beauty and cultural practices.
The title "Hvalfangst i Ishavet" (Whaling in the Arctic Sea) also points to another of his major themes, underscoring his reputation as a chronicler of these challenging Arctic expeditions. These works, taken together, demonstrate Skari's commitment to depicting the specificities of Norwegian maritime endeavors with a high degree of accuracy and artistic integrity.
Artistic Style: A Commitment to Realism
Edvard Skari's artistic style is firmly rooted in 19th-century Realism. This movement, which emerged as a reaction against the idealization of Romanticism and the strictures of academic art, sought to depict everyday subjects and situations with truthfulness and accuracy. Skari's Realism was particularly suited to his maritime themes, allowing him to render the tangible world of ships, sea, ice, and human figures with convincing detail.
His paintings are characterized by a strong sense of draftsmanship, careful attention to the effects of light and atmosphere, and a palette that, while often reflecting the cool tones of the northern climes, could also capture the subtle beauty of a sunset over the water or the glint of light on a wet deck. He paid close attention to the technical aspects of seafaring, accurately depicting the rigging of ships, the tools of the trade, and the attire of the sailors and fishermen. This meticulousness lends his work an almost documentary quality, providing valuable historical insights into the maritime practices of his time.
However, Skari's Realism was not merely a slavish imitation of reality. His compositions are thoughtfully constructed, and he often imbued his scenes with a sense of drama or a particular mood, whether it be the tension of a hunt, the desolation of an icy wilderness, or the quiet industry of a fishing fleet.
The Norwegian Artistic Landscape in the 19th Century
To fully appreciate Edvard Skari's contribution, it's essential to view his work within the broader context of 19th-century Norwegian art. The century began with artists like Johan Christian Dahl (J.C. Dahl) (1788–1857), often considered the "father of Norwegian landscape painting." Dahl, though he spent much of his career in Dresden, was instrumental in establishing a distinctively Norwegian school of landscape art, moving away from classical idealization towards a more direct engagement with the specific character of the Norwegian wilderness. His work laid the foundation for the National Romanticism that would flourish mid-century.
National Romanticism saw artists like Adolph Tidemand (1814–1876) and Hans Gude (1825–1903) rise to prominence. Tidemand focused on genre scenes depicting Norwegian peasant life, often with a romanticized, idyllic quality, while Gude became renowned for his majestic, often dramatic, landscapes and coastal scenes. Their collaborative works, such as "Bridal Procession on the Hardangerfjord," became iconic images of Norway. Skari's focus on specific, often arduous, maritime labor distinguishes his work from the more generalized romanticism of some of his predecessors, aligning him more closely with the emerging Realist tendencies.
As the century progressed, Realism and Naturalism gained traction. Erik Werenskiold (1855–1938) became a leading figure in this shift, known for his portraits and his illustrations for Norwegian folk tales, which he rendered with a down-to-earth authenticity. Christian Krohg (1852–1925) was another towering figure of Norwegian Realism, often tackling social issues with unflinching honesty in works like "Albertine to See the Police Surgeon."
Contemporaries of Skari, or those whose careers overlapped significantly, included Frits Thaulow (1847–1906), who gained international acclaim for his atmospheric depictions of landscapes, often featuring water and snow, rendered with a technique that sometimes bordered on Impressionism. Gerhard Munthe (1849–1929) initially worked in a Naturalistic vein before becoming a key figure in Norwegian Symbolism and Art Nouveau, particularly known for his decorative and stylized designs inspired by folk art and sagas.
Female artists also made significant contributions. Harriet Backer (1845–1932) was celebrated for her intimate interior scenes, masterfully capturing the play of light, and her work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Realist principles. Kitty Lange Kielland (1843–1914), a landscape painter, was an early proponent of Realism in Norway, particularly known for her depictions of the flat, atmospheric Jæren landscapes. Asta Nørregaard (1853-1933) was a notable portraitist of the era.
Other important figures included Eilif Peterssen (1852–1928), who excelled in historical paintings, portraits, and later, more Impressionistic landscapes. Even the early career of Edvard Munch (1863–1944), who would go on to become Norway's most famous artist and a pioneer of Expressionism, began within the prevailing Realist and Naturalist currents of the 1880s before he forged his unique path.
Within this dynamic artistic environment, Edvard Skari's work can be seen as a dedicated and skilled contribution to the Realist depiction of a specific, vital facet of Norwegian life – its relationship with the sea. While he may not have been a central figure in the theoretical debates or the leadership of artistic movements like Werenskiold or Krohg, his consistent production of high-quality maritime paintings secured him a respected place. His focus was less on social critique or grand national allegories and more on the direct, experiential reality of life and labor at sea.
Exhibitions, Recognition, and Archival Presence
Edvard Skari's works were exhibited and recognized during his lifetime, particularly in Denmark, where his paintings were published, indicating a degree of contemporary success and reach beyond Norway's borders. The fact that his monumental "Sealing in the Arctic" was chosen for reproduction and dissemination speaks to its perceived quality and popular appeal.
His works continue to appear at auctions, which, while market-driven, is one indicator of sustained interest among collectors and art enthusiasts. For instance, records show his pieces, such as one listed as lot 95 in an unspecified auction, have been sold, though specific high-value sales are not always widely publicized for artists outside the very top tier. The presence of his correspondence and records in the archives of the Copenhagen Art Museum, dating from the period 1873 to 1896, further attests to his active participation in the art world of his time and his connections within it.
The inclusion of his painting "Rikt Båtliv i Lofoten" in discussions of significant Norwegian art and cultural history, and the acquisition of "Sealing in the Arctic" by an international institution like the New Bedford Whaling Museum, underscore the lasting value attributed to his work. He is acknowledged by art historians as one of Norway's most distinguished marine painters of the 19th century.
Legacy and Enduring Appeal
Edvard Skari passed away in 1903, leaving behind a body of work that serves as an important visual record of Norway's maritime heritage. His paintings offer more than just picturesque scenes; they are documents of a way of life, of human interaction with a powerful and often unforgiving natural world. His commitment to Realism ensured that these depictions were imbued with a sense of immediacy and authenticity.
While the grand narratives of art history sometimes favor the avant-garde and the revolutionary, the contributions of artists like Skari, who diligently and skillfully chronicled their time and place, are invaluable. His work provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing contemporary viewers to glimpse the challenges, dangers, and everyday realities faced by those who made their living from the sea.
His influence can be seen in the continuing tradition of marine painting in Norway and in the broader appreciation for art that captures the essence of a nation's character and its relationship with its environment. For those interested in maritime history, Norwegian art, or 19th-century Realism, Edvard Skari's paintings remain a compelling and rewarding area of study. He captured the soul of Norway's maritime identity with a painter's skill and a photographer's eye for truth.
Conclusion: A Painter of the Norwegian Seas
Edvard Skari's legacy is that of a dedicated and highly skilled artist who devoted his career to portraying the multifaceted relationship between Norway and the sea. From the dramatic hunts in the Arctic to the daily life of coastal communities, his paintings offer a rich and detailed visual narrative. Grounded in the Realist tradition and informed by his studies under Carl Frederik Sørensen, Skari developed a distinctive voice as a marine painter. His dual engagement with painting and photography further highlights his keen observational skills and his commitment to capturing the world around him with fidelity.
Though perhaps not as widely known internationally as some of his Norwegian contemporaries who spearheaded new artistic movements, Edvard Skari's contribution to Norwegian art and cultural history is undeniable. His works remain significant for their artistic merit, their historical value as documents of maritime life, and their evocative portrayal of the enduring spirit of a seafaring nation. He was, in essence, a true chronicler of the Norwegian maritime soul, and his canvases continue to speak to us of the power, beauty, and peril of the northern seas.
