Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

The North Cape

Peder Balke Norwegian

Not on view

This is one of Balke’s largest easel paintings, and it is certainly among his most accomplished and sophisticated works made in a descriptive, naturalistic style. The view is animated by the rough waves and sea-sculpted rocks, the majestic forms of the clouds, the arc of seabirds, and the sunrise. The rich but delicate brushwork does not compete with these details for the viewer’s attention, as the more prominent facture does in paintings Balke made soon after. Although this is a singular picture within Balke’s oeuvre, the circumstances of its execution and reception remain unknown.

The North Cape, Peder Balke (Norwegian, Helgøya, Nes 1804–1887 Oslo (Kristiania)), Oil on canvas

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.