This lavishly illustrated reference on the modern art of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland covers a wide range of media, movements and styles. Nordic art tends to be represented by a few famous artists, with an aesthetic known for combining originality and continuity of tradition. Nevertheless, each country has its own artistic language, culture and history.

From the emergence of Impressionism in the 1870s, through the avant-garde experiments of the early 20th century and onward to WWII and beyond, this comprehensive account features a broad range of artists, both familiar and lesser known. They include Anders Zorn and Hilma af Klimt (Sweden), Vilhelm Hammershøi and Franciska Clausen (Denmark), Edvard Munch and Harriet Backer (Norway), Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Fanny Churberg (Finland) and Johannes S. Kjarval and Sigurjon Olafsson (Iceland). Each artist’s work is placed within the context of their homeland as well as the international art movements of the time. The significant role of women artists is also showcased.