Norse Mythology

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This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.

This gallery contains works of art from multiple artists describing events and figures in Norse mythology also known as the religion and beliefs of the Vikings. This gallery focuses on different paintings and sculptures of the gods of Norse mythology. The works of art depict different characteristics of movement, contrast and history.Anthony Lopez

[Warriors Fight a Wolf and Giant Snake], Ernst Alpers, 1867, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
Although the description from the museum is insufficient this artwork depicts that Thor, the Norse God holding the hammer Mjöllnir, attacking Fenrir and Jormungand. Fenrir is the Giant Wolf creature and also the son of Loki and Angrboða, who is a giantess. Jormungand is a large snake that encircles the Earth, also known as Midgard in the Norse Mythology. There are other men depicted in this artwork, in which they seem like warriors of Thor, riding together with him into battle against Fenrir and Jormungand. The painting shows a 2d effect concentrating on the emotional movement of the warriors as they ride into battle.
Heimdall returns Brisingamen to Freyja, Nils Jakob Blommér, 1846, From the collection of: Malmö Konstmuseum
"The Norse goddess Freyja had a precious necklace called Brisingamen (Jewelry of Fire). The sly and cunning god Loki once stole this necklace, and Freyja had to ask the god Heimdall, the guardian of Bifrost , or bridge between worlds,for help. Heimdall won the fight with Loki and gave the necklace back to Freyja." The contrast of the the painting shines the light of the image on the two important figures brightening their moment of triumph and giving life like effects and emotion.
Idun and Brage, Nils Jakob Blommér, 1846, From the collection of: Malmö Konstmuseum
"There are two characters in this piece of artwork: Idun, Goddess of Spring, and Brage, God of Poetry. Idun has a small crate of apples with her, and her lines are vertical as she stands next to Brage. She and Brage’s arms are diagonal as they reach to their respective props. The Emphasis/Focus are the two Gods, showing a sort of harmony between them. Barge seems to be playing a harp, next to his wife Idun. This artwork also has a three dimensional feel to it, making the Gods realistic. The contrast is also a light in front of the Gods and a darkness behind them where the humans would be as the sun is setting." The painting depicts a contrast of the picture presents a warm mood in the moment of the painting.
The Poems of Thomas Gray, Design 77, "The Descent of Odin.", William Blake, 1757–1827, British, between 1797 and 1798, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
The artwork depicts a part of a series called “The Descent of Odin” meaning the fall of the God of all Gods, Odin. This page in particular shows Jormungand, the giant serpent that encircles Midgard, also known as Earth. The artwork’s poem also mentions a Dog, which could be referring to Jormungand’s brother, Fenrir, the Giant Wolf Dog. The lines for this artwork are all curved, catching the shape of the serpent.No contrast elements are really present becasue it is more or less a sketch, but the sketch reflects the depiction of the monsters in norse mythology and the movement of this giant sea snake.
Loki, Hermann Ernst Freund, 1822, From the collection of: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
This is a sculpture of the Norse god Loki, also known as the god of mischief, the sculpture is portraying him about to witness a mischiveious event he more than likely set up. The statue shows him as a three dimensional figure adorning an evil like grin and ill intentions as he is perceived in north mythology.
Tor's Fight with the Giants, Mårten Eskil Winge, 1872, From the collection of: Nationalmuseum Sweden
Thor fighting a race of Giants. Thor in this image is fighting with his weapon Mjöllnir on his chariot. Thor also is summoning lightning to fight against the Giants as well. The artwork has a three-dimensional feel, making it seem more realistic, Thor seeming more a human with powers rather than a God. The contrast of the painting reflects the current chaos of the situation and shines light on the hero Thor.
Thor Resting with his Hammer, Hermann Ernst Freund, 1828-1829, From the collection of: SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst
Thor is depicted sitting with is Hammer.He looks like he is resting after a long day of being the God of Thunder. The statue makes Thor seem more human than a God, considering almost all other artwork of him is of him causing destruction or fighting another God of sorts. The three dimensional statue represents history and one of norse mythologies greatest heroes.
The Poems of Thomas Gray, Design 79, "The Descent of Odin.", William Blake, 1757–1827, British, between 1797 and 1798, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
The knight that was fighting off Hel is escaping from a monster that is trying to attack her and her horse. Possibly trying to escape from the underworld. The paintings watercolors depict a certain type of contrast making the painting a stressful one.
The Poems of Thomas Gray, Design 83, "The Descent of Odin.", William Blake, 1757–1827, British, between 1797 and 1798, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
There is a serene nature to this piece of artwork. It shows an unknown God or Hero along the shores of a sea and taking time to either bathe themselves or relax and enjoy the sun rising. His nude body suggests a sense of freedom, and relaxation. The contrasts of the painting show warmth and peace and give the viewer a sense of relaxation and happiness.
The Poems of Thomas Gray, Design 85, "The Descent of Odin.", William Blake, 1757–1827, British, between 1797 and 1798, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
This particular artwork does not have much of a description, and is hard to tell what is going on just at first glance. While also part of “The Descent of Odin” series, it seems that this piece could involve one of Loki’s other children: Hel, ruler of Helheim, the underworld where the dead go when they pass. There is also a knight on a horse that is fighting with Hel, trying to get her back into the underworld while the knight tries to ride away. The fire is bright and large suggesting a sense of evil power and fear.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
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