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Ringerikes Museum is a place where you can witness Norway's history and culture in a unique and authentic way. This museum was once the main vicarage of the medieval Norderhov Church, which dates back to the 12th century and is one of the country's oldest and most beautiful churches.
One of the museum's most intriguing exhibitions is the icon art collection securely displayed behind impenetrable cast iron gates in the basement. The most awe-inspiring thing about this exhibition is that it's the world's second-biggest collection of icon art, next to the Vatican! Imagine that :)
You can explore the museum's historical rooms and captivating exhibitions, which span from the 17th century to the 20th century, and learn about the stories and secrets of those who lived and worked there. Ringerikes Museum, built in 1635, is a must-see where you can discover the true heritage and spirit of the region. And it's just a 45-minute drive from Oslo!
How Local Museums Can Show You the Real Norway
I must admit that there is nothing like visiting Oslo's National Museum, Historical Museum, Natural History Museum, and Museum of Cultural History, where you can marvel at the fantastic art and history collections while learning about Norwegian culture.
But you should also check out local historical places, like the Ringerikes Museum, that showcase their own historical treasures because they give you a much more personal experience.
Local museums will give you a deeper and more intimate connection with the past as you see the relics and artifacts that belonged to the people and places you visit. You will discover stories and secrets you won't find anywhere else and feel the spirit and charm of each region. The list of recommended museums to visit is at the end of this article.
At Ringerikes Museum, you can explore the Home Front Museum, where you can learn about the horrendous battles and struggles of the people during the Second World War. You can also visit The Monk's House, which has an exciting story to tell. You can also discover 18th-century life, admiring the period's costumes, furniture, and crafts.
Furthermore, you can uncover the curious life of the brave Anna Colbjørnsdatter, who became a national heroine when she tricked Swedish invaders in the Battle of 1716. And, of course, you can admire the dazzling and invaluable collection of icons donated to the museum by the famous painter, Hans Ødegaard in 1943.
What are Icons? Exploring the Sacred Art of Orthodox Christianity
Icon comes from the ancient Greek word "eikon," meaning image. But an icon is not just any image. It's a sacred image belonging to the Orthodox Church, one of the oldest branches of Christianity. Icons are usually painted on wood and depict holy figures and events from the Christian faith.
You might see an icon of Christ, the Son of God; Mary, his mother and the Queen of Heaven; Saints, who lived exemplary lives of faith and service; Angels, who are messengers and protectors of God's people; or scenes from the Bible, the sacred book of Christians.
Icons are not just ordinary paintings. They follow strict rules and traditions that have been adhered to for centuries. They use unique colors, symbols, and styles to convey profound spiritual meanings. They are also objects of worship and prayer, as Orthodox Christians believe they can connect them with God's presence and grace. Icons are not only beautiful works of art but supposedly windows to heaven, too.
Icons are everywhere in Orthodox churches, playing a vital role in the liturgy and the rituals. But icons are not only found in churches. Many Orthodox Christians also have icons in their homes, where they create a particular corner or a small altar for them. They can pray, light candles, and worship the icons to express their faith and devotion there.
Icons are Sometimes Called "Theology in Colors and Lines."
Icons are holy images that show us the beauty and glory of God. They are not just art but portals to heaven that brings us closer to the divine mysteries. However, before an icon can do this, it has to be sanctified by a Priest who prays for God's blessing upon it. Icons are sacred images that express the faith of the Orthodox tradition as powerfully as the written word. They are visual testimonies that reveal God, His saints, and His deeds to us.
How Egg Yolk Creates Beautiful Icons: A Guide to an Old Art Form
Icons are made with a unique technique that uses egg tempera colors on wood. The wood is usually oak, beech, or cypress, which are solid and durable. Two flat strips of squared timber called battens are attached to the back to prevent the wood from cracking.
Then, a piece of cotton or linen is glued to the wood, followed by several layers of chalk mixed with animal glue, creating a smooth surface for the painting. The iconographer draws the subject on the surface and traces the lines with a fine brush. Before applying the colors, the iconographer often gilds some parts of the image, such as halos or backgrounds, with gold leaf. This adds a touch of splendor and radiance to the icon.
The egg tempera is a unique paint that uses egg yolk, vinegar, pigment, and water. The iconographer applies several layers of colors, each lighter than the previous one, creating a luminous effect that makes the icon shine from within.
How Icon Lovers Crushed the Iconoclasts and Restored the Icons
Icons are not meant to be realistic portraits of humans but spiritual visions of the holy ones. They show us how saints transform by grace and share in the heavenly realm. They often have a stylized appearance, with a long, slender nose, a small mouth, and large, expressive eyes. Their bodies are thin and austere, reflecting their ascetic lifestyle.
Icons have faced many challenges and persecutions throughout history. Some people in the early centuries of Christianity thought that images were idols and forbade their use. They wanted to destroy all the icons and erase the sacred art.
This destructive behavior was called iconoclasm, which means "image-breaking." It started in the Byzantine Empire in 726 AD and lasted over a hundred years. Many icons were lost or damaged during this time. But the icon lovers fought back and defended their faith.
They argued that icons were not idols but windows to God and His saints. They said that icons helped people worship and pray. Finally, in 843 AD, the iconoclasts were defeated, and the practice of praying to icons was again restored. This was a great victory for the Orthodox Church and its tradition of revering holy images.
In the 9th and 10th centuries, the Slavic nations became Christian, thus introducing icons to Russia and the Balkans. Soon after, different "schools" and painting styles appeared. Some of the most famous is the Novgorod School, the Moscow School, and the Italo-Byzantine and Venetian styles.
Icon art is a fascinating and unique form of expression. It has a long and rich history, but also a tragic one since so many have been destroyed. That's why the collection at Ringerikes Museum is so valuable and rare. It mainly features icons from Central Europe and the Mediterranean, the oldest dating back to the 15th century!
18 Mesmerizing Examples of Extraordinary Icon art displayed at Ringerikes Museum
1. Christ the Savior
Nowhere in the Gospels is there a physical description of Christ. However, precise guidelines exist for how he should be portrayed in the icons. He has a long, narrow nose, distinct eyes, thin lips, a beard, and long, middle-parted hair. There is always a cross inside the halo around his head. This 18th-century Russian icon is of good quality.
2. Feast Day Icon
This icon shows the 12 Feast days of the Orthodox Liturgical year. The image in the middle shows the Resurrection. The 12 lesser images should be read horizontally, from left to right. This is a simple icon from the 18th century.
3. The Crucifixion
The metal cross is made of copper, with some blue coating. The shape is typical of Russian crosses, where the upper crossbeam corresponds to the plate with the INRI inscription made by Pilate, and the lower is a footrest for Christ. This icon is Russian, from the 19th century.
4. Calendar Icon for October
This very practical icon reminds the faithful, who usually could not read or write, what should be celebrated on the various days of October. The icon from the 19th century is read from left to right. It has a wealth of details and is of good quality.
5. Saint Nicholas, Worker of Miracles
Bishop Nicholas lived in the 4th century in present-day Turkey. He is the saint of seafarers and the origin of the Santa Claus legend. Usually, he is shown with wrinkles and a grey, curly beard. The ribbon decorated with crosses over his shoulders shows that he is a bishop. The icon is of high quality and is from the 19th century.
6. The Three Martyrs Aviv, Gurij, and Samon
According to tradition, these three martyrs lived in Syria in the 4th century. When they refused to make offerings to Pagan Gods, they were murdered. It's probably 18th century.
7. Mother of God Hodegetria
The name Mother of God Hodegetria (Greek: "She who shows the way") alludes to Mary's hand pointing to Christ and his saying in John 14.6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Painted in a tradition of Western influence, the icon is of very high quality and dates back to the 15th century.
8. The Mother of God of Tenderness
The motifs where Mary's cheek nestles the child are known as the Mother of God of Tenderness or the Virgin of Tenderness. This high-quality icon is probably from the 16th century. It is painted in the Byzantine style of the Crete school.
9. Mother of God of Consolation
A Western variant of the Hodegetria motif, possibly made in the 16th century.
10. The Mother of God of Consolation
The Italian name for this Western variant of the Hodegetria motif is "Madre della Consolazione." Very similar to number 10, except that the child is turning away from Maria.
11. The Mother of God of Suffering
Mary cries and expresses great grief over her crucified son. Note the peculiarity of Christ portrayed as hanging on a cross while cradled in his mother's arms, showing great devotion and empathy.
12. The Nursing Mother of God
The icon shows Mary nursing the infant Jesus. As Mary nourishes her child, the church nourishes its faithful with sacraments and The Word. The icon is in Byzantine style and probably from the 18th century.
13. Christ the High Priest
The dimensions of this icon probably mean that it is part of an iconostasis—a church wall with many icons. Here, we see Christ enthroned as the High Priest and King of Kings. The icon is of good quality and dates to the 19th century. It is from the Balkans.
14. Intercession for the Martyrs Theodore and Demetrius
On the upper half of the icon, Christ sits as King and High Priest. On the lower half ride, the two martyrs, Theodore on the left and Demetrius on the right. The icon is likely Greek and painted in the 19th century,
15. The Death of the Mother of God
This icon shows the Mother of God on her deathbed. St. Peter is holding a thurible while St. Paul stands by her feet. In the background are the Apostles and some bishops. The icon is of simple quality and dates to the end of the 18th century. It is either Greek or Balkan.
16. Holy Constantine and Helena
On the left stands the first Christian Emperor of Rome, Constantine, and on the right, his mother, Helena. Constantine actively spread the Christian faith and built many churches. This icon is from Greece or the Balkans and is probably from the end of the 18th century.
17. Holy Bishop
This icon's motif shows a holy bishop, probably St. Eleftherios (Elutherius). He is seated on his throne, making a blessing with his right hand. The icon is Greek, from the 19th century.
18. Holy Haralambos, Worker of Miracles
Haralambos was a priest in present-day Turkey, around AD 200. He was a proselytizing Christian and was arrested and tortured by Roman soldiers. Legend tells how his torturers were struck with lameness while perpetrating the torture. Consequently, they stopped and begged Haralambos for salvation and were healed immediately and adopted the Christian faith. The icon is Greek, dating back to the 18th or 19th century.
In conclusion, icon art is a fascinating and diverse field of artistic expression that communicates deeper meanings than what meets the eye. It is a form of visual communication that transcends words and connects us with the sacred and the sublime.
Icon art also inspires us to imagine the lives and faith of those who revered and worshipped these paintings as sacred windows to the divine.
Hans Ødegaard's Iconic Legacy: How a Local Artist and Icon Collector Gave His Stunning Collection to Ringerikes Museum
Hans Ødegaard's life was a journey of art and adventure. He was born on a spring day in 1876 in the remote and scenic valley of Sokna in Ringerike.
As a young man, Hans discovered his passion for photography and moved to the bustling city of Hønefoss to pursue his craft. At the age of 21, he realized that he wanted to express himself through painting and, therefore, sought the guidance of some of the best artists in Norway. He then moved to Kristiania (Oslo).
Later, Hans traveled to Copenhagen in Denmark to learn from the masters before returning to Norway, where he enrolled in the prestigious Royal Academy of Drawing. There, he studied under Johan Nordhagen, Harriet Backer, and Erik Werenskiold, who taught him how to capture the beauty and spirit of his country.
Hans became known for his socially realistic paintings from Kristiania (Oslo), executed in broad strokes with a brownish tone. He was also active in several different art organizations.
In 1910, he was one of the founders of the Artists Union commissioned to arrange the older part of Norwegian art at the Jubilee Exhibition at Frogner in 1914. Between 1912 and 1917, he taught at his old academy.
At the beginning of 1920, he had his own atelier in Tollbugata in Oslo and a summer retreat at Hvalstad in Asker, where he resided for long periods.
Hans Ødegaard was also a restless and curious traveler who explored the diverse cultures and landscapes of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. Between 1915 and 1925, he embarked on several journeys that enriched his artistic vision and future icon collection.
He acquired several icons and sacred images of Christian art from the various places he visited. Hans also documented the origin of each icon on the back, such as Athens, Vienna, Malta, Naples, and Constantinople (now Istanbul). The icons reflect the different styles and traditions of the regions where they were painted, such as Russia, Greece, Italy, and the Balkans.
Hans Ødegaard died March 1, 1943, unmarried and childless. In his will, he donated his entire icon collection of extraordinary icon art to Ringerikes Museum. His self-portrait, painted in 1921, hangs in the museum for all to see, commemorating his incredibly generous gift.
* Note: photos of the icons are used with permission from Ringerikes Museum.
Explore the Rich Culture and Heritage of Norway at These 18 Memorable Museums Near Oslo
The Ringerike Museum allows you to travel back in time and experience Ringerike's rich history. And don't forget to stop by the adjacent medieval Norderhov Church, built in 1170, and learn about all its secrets!
But you can also take advantage of the opportunity to visit some of the other fantastic museums near Oslo, where you can learn more about the history and culture of Norway. Below is a list of recommended museums you can easily reach from the capital.
Hallingdal District
3. Dagali Museum →
4. Gol Bygdemuseum →
6. Hol Bygdemuseum →
7. Ål Bygdamuseum →
Sigdal District
Krødsherad District
12. Krøderbanen →
13. Villa Fridheim →
Ringerike District
Øvre Eiker District
Drammen District
16. Portåsen →
Kongsberg District
17. Lågdalsmuseet →
18. Labromuseene →
Contact Details Ringerikes Museum:
Telephone number: +47 32 13 50 50
Address: Norderhovsbakken 8, 3512 Hønefoss
