Gothic Modern, Pt. 2 - The Phoebus Foundation

The Phoebus Foundation

Gothic Modern, Pt. 2

The National Museum, Oslo
28/02/2025 - 15/06/2025

This exhibition presents artworks from the period 1875 to 1925 alongside works from Europe of the Middle Ages and Northern Europe during the Renaissance. For many artists, the power of the Gothic aesthetic to evoke deep emotions was highly inspiring. Faith and doubt, love and sexuality, identity and social roles are just some of the themes addressed in the exhibition. The Phoebus Foundation lent three artworks from its collection by Gustave Van de Woestyne.

Painting of a walking man dressed in simple clothing set against a golden background. Carrying a large sack over one shoulder and extending one arm, he moves through a landscape with stylised trees and dark bird-like forms. The elongated figure and restrained composition give the work a symbolic and contemplative atmosphere.
Gustave Van de Woestyne, Bad Sower, 1908

In addition to Van de Woestyne, the exhibition features artists such as Käthe Kollwitz, Edvard Munch, George Minne, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Max Beckmann, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Their work is presented in dialogue with notable predecessors, including Hans Holbein the Younger, Albrecht Dürer, and Lucas Cranach the Elder. Gothic Modern is the first international exhibition to explore this juxtaposition. Here you will encounter a broad spectrum of art forms, ranging from prints and paintings to drawings and sculptures.


The Gothic is often associated with elements of darkness and mysticism, the frightening and the inexplicable. It also embraces a sense of otherness, a culture in opposition to the prevalent. The exhibition is divided into seven chapters: Journeys to the Gothic, Pilgrims of art, Encounters with death, Community and traditions, Gothic variations, Love and attraction, From darkness to light.

Painting of a seated figure dressed in dark clothing, absorbed in thought against a golden background. Resting their head on one hand and looking downward, the figure conveys a sense of stillness and introspection.
Gustave Van de Woestyne, Deeske sitting, 1908
Painting of a solitary standing figure in simple work clothes set on reddish ground against a golden background. The man looks downward and stands beside several small stylised trees.
Gustave Van de Woestyne, Deeske on the Field, ca. 1908

The project was initiated by the National Gallery of Finland / Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki and is created in collaboration with them and Albertina, Vienna.