Comprehensive Guide to Old Norse Art Styles
The intricate and symbolic art styles of Old Norse society offer a window into the culture, beliefs, and craftsmanship of the Viking Age. Spanning centuries, these art styles reflect the evolution of Norse aesthetics and provide valuable insight into their societal structure, mythology, and interactions with other cultures. This article explores six distinct Norse art styles—Oseberg, Borre, Jellinge, Mammen, Ringerike, and Urnes—tracing their origins, key features, and archaeological significance.
Oseberg Style
Close up of the Oseberg's ship burial (Photo: Karamell CC BY-SA 2.5)
The Oseberg style, named after the Oseberg ship burial discovered in 1904 near Tønsberg, Norway, is one of the earliest recognized Viking art forms. This burial mound, dated to approximately 834 CE, contained a wealth of intricately carved wooden objects, highlighting the artistry of early Viking craftspeople.
Characterized by elaborate animal motifs and interwoven patterns, the Oseberg style reflects a fusion of Norse mythology and ornamental precision. Key elements include serpentine creatures and gripping-beast designs, often depicted in dynamic poses.
Detail of one of the sleighs found in the Oseberg burial, dating back to 800 AC. It is located in the Viking Ship Museum Oslo, alongside the rest of the Oseberg findings (Photo: Bochum1805 CC BY-SA 2.0))
Artifacts from the Oseberg burial site demonstrate the sophistication of early Norse woodcarving and metalwork, offering clues about ceremonial practices and elite status in Viking society. The preservation of these objects provides an unparalleled glimpse into the artistry of the early 9th century.
Borre Style
Bronze pendant from Hedeby, Haithabu (Photo: Casiopeia CC BY-SA 2.0)
Emerging in the late 9th century, the Borre style is named after the burial mounds at Borre, Norway. These artifacts reveal the transition from the Oseberg aesthetic to more standardized motifs that became widely recognized across the Viking world.
The Borre style is distinguished by its use of symmetric knotwork, gripping-beast designs, and ring-chain patterns. The repetitive nature of these motifs suggests an emphasis on consistency and recognizability in Norse art.
Borre Style brooch from the NTNU Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, Trondheim, Norway (Photo: A. Davey, Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0)
This style’s widespread adoption indicates its role in fostering a shared cultural identity among Norse communities. It also highlights the increasing importance of trade and interaction within the Viking sphere.
Jellinge Style
The Jellinge style takes its name from the royal burial mounds in Jelling, Denmark, associated with King Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth. These mounds, along with the Jelling stones, are pivotal in understanding the Norse transition from paganism to Christianity.
This style is noted for its intricate scrolls and animal forms rendered in fluid, sinuous lines. It introduced a more naturalistic approach, departing from the rigid symmetry of earlier styles.
Illustration of 'Gorm's Cup', found in the barrow of Gorm the Old which held various artifacts with the Jelling style (Photo: Green, J. R.)
The Jellinge style reflects a period of cultural synthesis, blending Norse traditions with Christian influences. Its prominence on high-status items underscores its association with royal authority and religious change.
Mammen Style
The axe head from Mammen, in which the art style was named after. The axe was forged with iron with silver engravings (Photo: Stefan Bollmann CC BY-SA 3.0)
Named after an axe discovered in Mammen, Denmark, this style flourished in the late 10th century. The Mammen axe, decorated with fine silver inlays, exemplifies the style’s opulence and sophistication.
Mammen motifs often feature interwoven animals and plants, reflecting a deep connection to nature and spirituality. These designs frequently incorporate Christian symbols, highlighting the ongoing religious transition.
The Mammen style bridges the Jellinge and Ringerike styles, demonstrating the adaptability of Norse artistry in response to societal changes.
Ringerike Style
The Söderala vane, a weather vane crafted with intricate Ringerike art (Photo: Berig CC BY-SA 4.0)
Named after the Ringerike district in Norway, this style is characterized by slender animal forms and looping, vine-like patterns. Its decorative elegance marks a high point in Viking artistry.
The Ringerike style coincides with the consolidation of kingdoms and increased contact with European cultures. This period saw the fusion of Norse and continental artistic influences.
Ringerike motifs appear on a range of artifacts, including runestones, jewelry, and manuscripts, demonstrating the style’s broad appeal and influence beyond Scandinavia.
Urnes Style
The medieval etched portals at the Urnes Stave Church (Photo: Bosc d'Anjou)
The Urnes style, named after the stave church in Urnes, Norway, represents the culmination of Viking art. Emerging in the 11th century, it is often regarded as the final stage of Norse artistic tradition.
Defined by elongated, interlacing animal forms and an emphasis on negative space, the Urnes style exudes a refined minimalism. Its designs often integrate Christian iconography, reflecting the complete Christianization of Scandinavia.
Bronze ornament from Denmark (Photo: Christian Bickel CC BY-SA 2.0)
The Urnes style’s influence persisted well into the medieval period, shaping European art and architecture. It remains a testament to the enduring creativity of Norse artisans.
Conclusion
The six Old Norse art styles chart the cultural, religious, and social evolution of the Viking Age. From the ceremonial opulence of the Oseberg style to the sophisticated minimalism of the Urnes style, these artistic traditions provide a rich tapestry of Norse identity. By examining these styles, we gain invaluable insights into a civilization that continues to captivate the modern imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Oseberg style, and where was it found?
The Oseberg style is an early Viking art form characterized by animal motifs and interwoven patterns. It was first discovered in the Oseberg ship burial in Norway.
- How does the Jellinge style differ from earlier styles
The Jellinge style features fluid, naturalistic designs that blend Norse and Christian influences, contrasting with the more rigid symmetry of earlier styles.
- What is the significance of the Mammen axe?
The Mammen axe is a key artifact of the Mammen style, showcasing intricate designs and symbolizing the transition from paganism to Christianity.
- How did the Ringerike style influence European art?
The Ringerike style’s elegant motifs spread across Europe, influencing manuscript illumination, stone carving, and decorative arts.
- Why is the Urnes style considered the culmination of Norse art?
The Urnes style represents the final stage of Viking art, characterized by refined interlacing patterns and Christian symbolism, marking the full integration of Norse and medieval European traditions.
