Bergen 1070

"The Mountain, the Fortress, the Ship, the Sea"

A stippled tribute to Bergen's medieval seal, reimagined.

Historical Context

Historical records suggest that the year 1070 was one when the herring fishery in the area was particularly fruitful. It was supposedly this abundance that prompted Olav Kyrre to found a city here. Herring or not, some Bergen locals might argue that Bergen has been Norway's true capital ever since.

A city of such significance naturally needed its own seal. Designed to be double-sided, it would hang beneath the city's most important documents. The earliest known impression dates from 1293, though it was eventually lost to Danish archives.

Artistic Interpretation

In my artistic interpretation, I've reunited both sides of the old seal: the fortress, the seven mountains, and the ship—with a gentle nod to Olav Kyrre. The ship itself takes inspiration from Theodor Kittelsen, the renowned Norwegian artist and illustrator known for his folklore imagery. The seal bears the inscription "SIGILLUM COMMUNITATIS DE CIVITATE BERGENSI"—the official seal of the Bergen civic community.

About the Print

• Motif: The image is composed entirely of thousands of tiny ink dots, created through the slow and meticulous technique of stippling.
• Printing technique: Once digitised, each work is produced as a giclée print – a fine art process renowned for its precision, rich detail and archival quality.
• Edition: Each print is signed by the artist and issued in a hand-numbered limited edition of 150. Each print also includes a signed certificate of authenticity.
• Paper: Printed on thick, subtly textured Hahnemühle paper made from 100% cotton, valued for its quality.
• Size: Each sheet measures approximately 33 × 24 cm (13" × 9.5"), with a natural deckle edge that may cause the width to vary slightly (1–6 mm). Suitable for standard 30x40 cm with an A4 passepartout. 
• Care Instructions: For longevity, display away from direct sunlight and high humidity.

Shipping

In Norway, shipping is always free. Your order is sent via tracked post and usually arrives within 3–5 business days, unless «Posten» has other ideas.

For international orders, shipping is between flat 200-400NOK depending on the country, and your package typically takes 7–14 business days, depending on how friendly customs is feeling.

Important information for International orders

Orders shipped outside Norway may be subject to import VAT, customs duties, and handling fees. I’d love to skip that bit for you, but your local authorities might have other plans.