Who’s looking?

When we see something we want to remember or show to others, we get out our phone. But the photo doesn’t always come out the way we want. The colours, or the way the photo is cropped, may mean that the picture fails to get across how amazing the view really was. When we take a photo we may miss something, but we might also add something because of the way we are looking. A photograph can be just as influenced by the person who created it as a hand-drawn poster advertisement from the 1930s, a painting from the 19th century or even a 400-year-old map. What do they tell us?

The Sonfjord

This Dutch map of the Oslofjord is taken from the world’s first printed maritime atlas, from 1585. It may appear rather inaccurate, but in fact it includes everything that was important to the Dutch timber traders of the time. Son was an important place in the timber trade, and it is shown in the centre of the map, which is entitled “Soen Water”. The map shows the Oslofjord, seen from the outside. Without local knowledge, but with a specific purpose.

Chosen by Marie, History student

Photo: The National Library of Norway

Sailing into Christiania

In 1874, the artist Hans Gude painted a normal day on the Oslofjord. At the time, artists were keen to depict everyday life. But did the people he painted have the time to admire the light on the waves? Although the painting shows a realistic scene, we are seeing the fjord through the artist’s eyes. How would the fisherman whom Gude painted have depicted the fjord?

Chosen by Adrian, History student (26)

Photo: Jacques Lathion/National Museum of Norway

Sommerbyen Oslo (“Oslo – The Summer City”)

With the yellow sky, we can almost feel the warmth of summer. There is little about this poster advertisement from the 1930s that recalls the grind of working at sea. Leisure time had become normal for many, and this is the beginning of a new chapter in the fjord’s history. It is a scene that many have good memories of – but also something that can be sold. The fjord has become a product.

Chosen by Astrid Marie, History student (24)

Photo: Rune Aakvik/Oslo Museum

Visit the Oslofjord

In reality, the landscape around the fjord is full of houses, fences, cars and power lines. In many places, it is rather grey and boring. The fjord itself is polluted with plastic and other waste. Even so, there are plenty of images that show the fjord as simply inviting and beautiful. Is this misrepresentation? What will these contemporary images tell those who come after us about our relationship with the Oslofjord?

Chosen by Susanna, museum staff (53)

Photo: VisitOSLO

What sort of photo would you take of the fjord? Would you be the main focus, or would the fjord?