Storm at Sea off the Norwegian Coast, 1837

About the Work

The young painter Andreas Achenbach (1815–1910) completed this painting in a studio at the Städelschule and it was purchased immediately by the Städel. With precise strokes, it shows a ship struggling against the raging sea to avoid being smashed against the rough cliffs. The deliberate lighting emphasises the surge and the mighty rocks, thus, heightening the feeling of agitation while witnessing these events. The large format further intensifies this impression of the depicted force of nature. Achenbach repeatedly painted detailed seascapes of this kind. They are skilfully staged: it was not until two years after the painting’s creation that Achenbach actually travelled to Norway.