The Scandinavian Home : Art and Identity, 1880-1920

A wide-ranging study of the intertwined notions of home and homeland that were central to the art and material culture of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland in the second half of the nineteenth century.

The arts played a crucial role in reinforcing a shared sense of belonging amongst Nordic countries as they strove to identify and celebrate authentic local and national identities. “Home” was a central metaphor in the nation building activities of each country. The links between land, landscape, handicraft and domestic dwellings as dimensions of home are embedded in this survey which brings the extensive collection of David and Susan Werner into public view for the first time.

The catalogue encompasses an impressive range of paintings, drawings, furniture, textiles, glass, metalwork, and ceramics. Highlights include rare tapestries and a wooden cabinet by Norwegian artist Gerhard Munthe, Finnish ceramics by Alfred William Finch, landscape paintings by Hilma af Klint, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Gustav Fjaestad and Pekka Halonen, and functional objects by outstanding handicraft artists covering embroidery, metalwork and wooden implements.