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Odd Nerdrum: The 2 Most Famous Paintings, Documented
Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 2 works by Odd Nerdrum in our catalogue
Summary
According to this ranking, Self Portrait with Eyes Closed (1991) is the most famous painting by Odd Nerdrum. This list draws on the 2 works by Odd Nerdrum in the catalogue and records the 2 most famous, with date, holding museum and description for each entry.
born 1944, Helsingborg
Odd Nerdrum: top 10 entries of the list
Odd Nerdrum by year: the most famous paintings
2 years, from 1991 to 1992, contain all the dated works of Odd Nerdrum on this page; they are presented by year.
Works per year
Select a year to display its principal paintings.
Odd Nerdrum: questions and documented answers
Which Odd Nerdrum painting heads the list of most famous works?Display the answer
Self Portrait with Eyes Closed (1991).
What age had Odd Nerdrum reached when Self Portrait with Eyes Closed was painted?Display the answer
47 years: Odd Nerdrum was born in 1944 and Self Portrait with Eyes Closed is dated 1991.
How many works by Odd Nerdrum are recorded?Display the answer
The catalogue records 2 works by Odd Nerdrum, dated between 1991 and 1992.
Which dated works by Odd Nerdrum are the earliest and the latest here?Display the answer
The earliest dated work listed here is Self Portrait with Eyes Closed (1991); the latest is Sleeping Boy (1992).
Odd Nerdrum: life and work
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.