Peter Nicolai Arbo: The Valkyrie (1869) | Art Poster

A dramatic Norse mythology poster featuring a valkyrie riding through the clouds on a powerful black horse. Peter Nicolai Arbo’s monumental painting from 1869 combines armour, movement and stormy light in one of the best-known images of Norwegian National Romanticism.

Printed locally on heavyweight matte paper, as close to you as possible. Typical delivery time: 2–5 business days.

• Iconic painting by Peter Nicolai Arbo
• Norse mythology motif from 1869
• Valkyrie in armour riding a black horse
• Norwegian National Romanticism
• Printed on 200 gsm matte quality paper
• FSC-certified paper or equivalent
• Available in four sizes
• Frame not included

A rider between sky and battlefield

The valkyrie rides directly towards the viewer through dark clouds and turbulent air. Her upright spear, winged helmet and shining armour form a bright vertical line above the powerful black horse.

The horse’s forward movement gives the composition its intensity. Its mane and tail are caught by the wind, while the rider remains controlled and watchful. Arbo balances physical movement with the supernatural calm of a mythological figure.

The valkyries of Norse mythology

In Norse mythology, valkyries are female beings associated with battle, death and fate. They choose warriors who have fallen in combat and bring some of them to Odin in Valhalla.

Arbo depicts the valkyrie as both warrior and otherworldly messenger. The armour and spear connect her to battle, while the clouds and dramatic light place her outside the ordinary human world.

“The valkyries are associated with war and death.”

A motif Arbo returned to

Arbo painted his first version of a valkyrie in Düsseldorf in 1860. He later returned to the subject for a large version now held by Nationalmuseum in Stockholm and for the painting completed in 1869 for Norway’s National Gallery.

The 1869 version became one of Arbo’s greatest public successes. His experience as a painter of horses, riders and battle scenes is visible in the forceful movement of the black horse.

Mythology and National Romanticism

During the nineteenth century, Norwegian artists and writers looked to sagas, medieval history and Norse mythology for subjects connected with national identity. Arbo became one of the leading Norwegian painters of these historical and mythological scenes.

In The Valkyrie, he combines Nordic subject matter with the theatrical scale, precise figure painting and dramatic movement he encountered during his studies in Düsseldorf and his years in Paris.

About Peter Nicolai Arbo

Peter Nicolai Arbo was born at Gulskogen near Drammen in 1831. He studied in Copenhagen and Düsseldorf, where he specialised in historical subjects, mythological scenes, horses and riders.

Arbo lived in Paris for several years before returning permanently to Norway in 1874. His best-known works include The Valkyrie and The Wild Hunt of Odin, both now exhibited at the National Museum in Oslo.

Artwork details

Available sizes

Norse mythology for a striking interior

The deep black, cool silver and warm skin tones give the poster a powerful presence. Its vertical format works particularly well in a living room, office, library or hallway with dark wood, leather and natural materials.

Discover more historical and mythological works in our Norwegian art collection.

Frequently asked questions

What is a valkyrie?

In Norse mythology, a valkyrie is a female supernatural being associated with battle and fate. Valkyries select fallen warriors and bring some of them to Odin in Valhalla.

When did Peter Nicolai Arbo paint The Valkyrie?

Arbo painted this version in 1869. He had previously explored the valkyrie motif in works from 1860 and the mid-1860s.

Where is the original painting?

The original belongs to the National Museum in Oslo and is registered under inventory number NG.M.00259.

What paper is the poster printed on?

The poster is printed on heavyweight 200 gsm matte quality paper with a smooth, non-reflective surface. The paper is FSC-certified or equivalent.

Is a frame included?

No, the frame is not included. You can choose a frame that suits the poster and your interior.