A Shipwreck on the Coast of Norway
1831
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
This painting shows a stormy sea crashing against jagged rocks. A large ship is wrecked near the shore, its broken hull half-submerged. Waves smash against the cliffs, and dark clouds fill the sky, making the scene feel wild and chaotic. A few small figures cling to the rocks, looking tiny against the storm. The artist used deep shadows and bold light to make the drama stand out. The rough waves and towering cliffs add to the sense of danger. If you like this kind of dramatic scene, look up *chiaroscuro* next.