Dazzled by the impact of Impressionism it is easy to overlook the stunning achievements of Nordic painters during the 19th century. From the national romanticism of Norways’s AdolphTidermand and Hans Gude, to the mythical landscapes of Finland’s Pekka Halonen and the impressionistic, moody interiors of Norway’s best known female painter, Harriet Backer, this lecture showcases the range of visual creations that helped shape a unique cultural identity, forged in part from a battle against the elements and social deprivation as much as political power and provincialism during the turbulent years of the 19th century.