Ingenious Iceland – Twentieth–Century Icelandic Paintings from the Anthony J.Hardy Collection

This publication accompanies the University Museum’s exhibition of more than 80 Icelandic paintings, sculptures and drawings from the collection of Mr Anthony J. Hardy. Historically reminiscent of the painterly traditions of the Nordic School of Scandinavia, Icelandic artists departed from the well-established parameters of northern European sea- and landscape painting during the 20th century. Although many of the best-known local painters were trained in Denmark—a larger neighbouring country with an established art school and cultural scene—they developed with time a more distinctive Icelandic style influenced by the local terrain, mythology and folklore. This retrospective of select Icelandic painters documents a century of continuous creative emancipation as well as a constant documenting engagement with the island’s community, nature, beauty and vastness.

This publication accompanies the University Museum’s exhibition of more than 80 Icelandic paintings, sculptures and drawings from the collection of Mr Anthony J. Hardy. Historically reminiscent of the painterly traditions of the Nordic School of Scandinavia, Icelandic artists departed from the well-established parameters of northern European sea- and landscape painting during the 20th century. Although many of the best-known local painters were trained in Denmark—a larger neighbouring country with an established art school and cultural scene—they developed with time a more distinctive Icelandic style influenced by the local terrain, mythology and folklore. This retrospective of select Icelandic painters documents a century of continuous creative emancipation as well as a constant documenting engagement with the island’s community, nature, beauty and vastness.