Evil Gunhild

Evil Gunhild (1922) is an unusual subject within Christian Krohg's oeuvre, suggesting a literary, theatrical, or folkloric source rather than his characteristic direct observation of contemporary life. The name 'Evil Gunhild' resonates with Norwegian folk tradition — Gunnhild kongemor (Queen Gunhild) was a legendary villainous queen in medieval Norse saga tradition, repeatedly depicted as a sorceress and schemer. If Krohg was working from this source, it represents a late-career engagement with national romantic imagery quite different from his naturalist program. Alternatively, the title may refer to a theatrical character or a literary figure from a play staged at a Norwegian theatre during this period. The Trondheim Art Museum holds the canvas, and the work's placement there rather than in Oslo or Bergen suggests a connection to either the subject's origins or the commission's source.

Oil on canvas in Krohg's late manner, with broad, confident brushwork. If the subject is a folkloric or theatrical figure, the handling would need to balance the character's dramatic identity with Krohg's habitually direct observational approach. The palette and compositional choices likely reflect either a model costumed as the character or a more imaginatively constructed image.