Far, Far Away

Canvas with the painting Far, far away he saw something shining and glittering by Theodor Kittelsen from 1900 (Norwegian title : Langt, far away so han noe lyse og glitre) . The picture belongs to the series Slottet Soria Moria , which consists of twelve paintings. The illustrated children's book with Kittelsen's own text was first published in 1911.

Theodor Kittelsen's portrayal of the boy Askeladden who sees the fantasy land of Soria Moria in the distance has become for many a symbol of hope for the future and the dream of success.

Askeladden has wandered far and at last he sees his goal - the shining castle of Soria Moria : "Then he had lunch in the old rock and went out into the wide world to find the castle. It carried over forest, valley and rocks. Far, far away, something like a little star. Then at last he came nearer and nearer, and still farther away, east of the sun and west of the moon, lay the castle of Soria Moria in shining golden light."

Theodor Kittelsen is a Norwegian artist who, like the Swedish John Bauer, is known for his fairytale motifs with goblins and princesses. His works are still iconic in many Nordic homes, but even though he is celebrated as a national artist in Norway, he is hardly known outside of Scandinavia.

Artist: Theodor Kittelsen| Created: 1900 | Publisher: The National Museum | Object ID: NG.M.00546 | Copyright: CC-BY

Frame not included.

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