5_Scene_from_the_Villa_Malta by Johan_Christian_Dahl2

Scene from the Villa MaltaJohan Christian Dahl, 1821

Johan Christian Dahl (1788-1857) was a Norwegian artist considered the first great romantic painter in Norway and founder of the ‘golden age’ of Norwegian painting. His paintings show a great admiration for nature, are often idyllic and sometimes melancholy, although this painting is bright and sunlit.

Attribution

Johan Christian Dahl [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Wrap Up Your Painting

  • How many building materials did you spot in your buildings?
  • How did the placement of the buildings in the painting make you feel?
  • What viewpoint did you choose to stand at?
  • How did your impression of the scene change once you placed yourself inside the picture?
  • How do you feel now you’ve completed this activity? If you enjoyed it, why not add more Look at Paintings audio guides to your week? And don’t forget, you can take these guides with you to your local gallery and try them whilst standing in front of ‘real life’ art