Theodor Severin Kittelsen

(autotranslated, could have mistakes)

Theodor Severin Kittelsen was born on April 27, 1857 in Kragerø in a merchant family, the second of eight children. I have been drawing since childhood. His father died early, and Kittelsen went to work. First as a painter's apprentice, then as a watchmaker's apprentice. Patron Diedrich Maria Olom paid for him to study for two years at an art school in Christiania and three years of study in Munich. Returning to Norway, Kittelsen served in the army. After the army I went to Paris and again to Munich. In 1883, Kittelsen, together with German artists, received an order for illustrations for a three-volume edition of Norwegian folk tales. In 1887 he returned to Norway. Having received a job as a lighthouse keeper on the island of Skomvar (Lofoten Islands), he did what he loved. In 1889, Kittelsen married Inga Christina Dahl. Their marriage was happy. They had nine children.

In the mid-1890s, Kittelsen created his most famous book, “The Black Death.” The book with drawings was dedicated to the plague epidemic that swept across Europe in the mid-14th century.

In 1908, Kittelsen was awarded the Order of St. Olav, Norway's highest honor.

In the last years of his life, the artist received a national pension, and lived with his family on the picturesque island of Jøløy, not far from the home of another famous Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch.

He died on January 21, 1914 from illness.

Source: LJ Author: krapan_5