Preview AR preview Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image Send
Details Guide Add to favorites Download Similars X-Ray Diaporama Q&A Stats

Sleeping Boy

Dimensions
48.0 x 52.0 cm

Controversial Norwegian painter Odd Nerdrum (b.1944) blends Rembrandt & Caravaggio influences with allegorical narratives, defying modern art norms.

The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.

This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. A print can only be cut, never made bigger than the picture, so a size with a different shape loses a part of the image. We send you a digital mockup to approve before we print anything. The picture shown on this page does not show the real cut — only the mockup does.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (9 November)

Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 62

Sleeping Boy

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 62


Artist Biography

Early Life and Influences

  • Born: April 8, 1944, Helsingborg, Sweden
  • Parents: Resistance fighters who fled German-occupied Norway during World War II.
  • Childhood: Marked by parental divorce and a sense of abandonment, which influenced his later themes of isolation and refuge.
  • Education: Attended a Rudolf Steiner school in Oslo, emphasizing spiritual and esoteric practices.
  • Art Academy of Oslo: Studied from 1961-1963 but became disillusioned with modern art trends.
  • Key Influences: Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Titian – heavily influenced his neo-Baroque style and focus on classical techniques. The painting *The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis* by Rembrandt was a pivotal moment in his artistic development.

Artistic Development and Style

  • Rejection of Modern Art: Actively opposed the prevailing trends in modern art, choosing to master traditional techniques instead.
  • Neo-Baroque Style: Developed a distinctive style characterized by dramatic lighting (chiaroscuro), realistic figures, and allegorical narratives.
  • Themes: Explores themes of refuge, forbidden longings, apocalyptic scenarios, and the human condition. Often depicts figures dressed in historical or otherworldly attire.
  • Kitsch Philosophy: Defines his art as "kitsch" rather than traditional art, emphasizing emotional impact over intellectual critique. This philosophy spawned a movement among his followers.
  • Mediums: Primarily paints but also creates etchings and drawings.

Major Works and Achievements

  • Monumental Paintings: Known for creating large-scale works that have become iconic within his style.
  • Recurring Motifs: Features recurring motifs such as floating figures in space, and scenes evoking a sense of post-apocalyptic desolation.
  • Love Divided (1964–2005): A significant work that underwent multiple iterations due to early destruction.
  • Museum Acquisitions: His works are held in prestigious museums worldwide including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Walker Art Center, de Young Museum, and Hirshhorn Museum.

Controversies and Historical Significance

  • Criticism: Faced criticism from Norwegian art critics who viewed his work as representing a triumph of popular culture over art.
  • Tax Evasion Conviction: In 2012, he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to prison, which brought further attention to his controversial persona.
  • Rejection of Modernism: Nerdrum's staunch rejection of modern art trends and embrace of classical techniques has made him a significant figure in the ongoing debate about artistic values.
  • Influence on Contemporary Art: His "kitsch" philosophy and dedication to traditional painting methods have influenced a generation of artists seeking alternatives to contemporary art practices.

Later Life and Legacy

  • Continued Production: Continues to create six to eight paintings annually, including still lifes, portraits, and allegorical works.
  • Writing and Philosophy: Author of essays, aphorisms, poems, and plays that articulate his philosophical views on art, culture, and the human condition.
  • Recognition as a Classical Painter: Widely recognized as a prominent classical painter in Scandinavia.
Odd Nerdrum

Odd Nerdrum

1944 - , Sweden

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Odd Nerdrum
  • Nationality: Norwegian
  • Date Of Birth: 1944
  • Place Of Birth: Helsingborg, Sweden
  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Figurative painting, Kitsch
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Rembrandt
    • Caravaggio
    • Titian
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.