Peter Nicolai Arbo

Born in 1831 at Gulskogen Manor in Drammen, Norway. His childhood home is now preserved as part of the Drammens Museum, where some of his works are displayed.¹

He studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy under Karl Ferdinand Sohn and Emil Hünten, a battle and animal painter, forming the technical foundation for his dynamic historical paintings.¹

In 1862, he went on a study trip with his close friend and master of Norwegian landscape painting, Hans Gude, which influenced the realism of nature in his works.¹

First painted in 1863, 'Horse flock on the high mountains' was a recurring theme for him. The 1889 version in the National Museum is considered one of his most important works.¹

He lived in Paris from 1863 to 1870 before returning to Norway, where he was appointed director of the Art School in Oslo, contributing significantly to national art education.¹

In 1866, he was appointed Knight of the Order of St. Olav and the Order of Vasa. He also gained international recognition as a juror and commissioner at world exhibitions in Vienna and Philadelphia.¹

He served as director of the Oslo Art Society from 1882 until his death, acting as a leading figure in the Norwegian art world beyond his role as a painter.¹