The Wild Hunt of Odin, a dramatic composition featuring a female figure from Norse mythology, stands as the most recognized painting by Peter Nicolai Arbo. Born at Gulskogen Manor in 1831, Arbo dedicated his professional career to the production of large-scale narrative scenes and historical portraits, firmly establishing his position within the Düsseldorf school of painting during the nineteenth century.
Early Education and Influences
Arbo spent his youth at Gulskogen, a property built in 1804. His formal training began in Copenhagen between 1851 and 1852 under the instruction of Frederik Ferdinand Helsted. He subsequently transitioned to the art academy in Düsseldorf, where he studied from 1853 to 1855 under Karl Ferdinand Sohn. His technical development continued under the guidance of Emil Hünten, a specialist in battle and animal subjects, and the religious painter Otto Mengelberg. During this period, he developed personal and professional associations with Norwegian colleagues Adolph Tidemand and Hans Gude.
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Upon his return to Norway in 1861, Arbo embarked on a study excursion with Gude and Frederik Collett. He established a recurring interest in the movement of livestock, producing the first version of Horse flock on the high mountains in 1863. A significant iteration of this motif, completed in 1889, is currently housed within the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo. Following a seven-year residence in Paris that concluded in 1870, he returned to Christiania to serve as the director of the local art school.
Administrative Roles and Recognition
Arbo occupied numerous institutional positions, reflecting his status in the Scandinavian art community. He functioned as a juror for international exhibitions in Stockholm in 1866 and Philadelphia in 1876, and served as commissioner for the Viennese art department exhibition in 1873. Appointed as a member of the National Gallery Company in 1875, he later directed the Oslo Kunstforening from 1882 until his death in 1892. His professional contributions were recognized with the appointment as a Knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav and the Order of Vasa.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 June 1831, Gulskogen, Norway
- Died: 14 October 1892, Christiania, Norway
- Primary Field: Historical and narrative painting
- Key Artistic Influence: Düsseldorf school of painting
- Notable Painting: The Wild Hunt of Odin
- Director: Oslo Kunstforening (1882–1892)
- Awards: Knight of the Order of St. Olav and Order of Vasa
Questions readers ask
Where can the works of Peter Nicolai Arbo be viewed today?
His paintings are located in private collections, the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo, and at his childhood home, Gulskogen Manor.
Which major art academy influenced his style?
Arbo is primarily associated with the Düsseldorf school of painting, having studied at the academy under Karl Ferdinand Sohn and Emil Hünten.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of St. Olav
