Moonlit View of the River Elbe at Dresden

Johan Christian Dahl Norwegian

Not on view


Although justifiably considered the father of Norwegian landscape painting, Dahl spent most of his career in cosmopolitan Dresden. He painted innumerable views of the city, including sketches, like this example, as well as larger, finished paintings. Although it is possible that the artist stood at the bank of the Elbe to paint this sketch on the night of January 6, 1826—the date inscribed at the lower right—it is also possible that he executed it from memory. Dahl's moonlit views would serve as models for Peder Balke's.

Moonlit View of the River Elbe at Dresden, Johan Christian Dahl (Norwegian, Bergen 1788–1857 Dresden), Oil on paper, laid down on wood

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