Bergstaden Kongsberg

What could be more fitting for the coat of arms of a medium-sized Norwegian town than… a Roman god? Precisely nothing.

Janus, the two-faced deity, gazes both backwards and forwards, an apt symbol for a place with one eye on its history and the other on its promising future.

In one hand he brandishes a sword, in the other he balances a set of scales. Power and justice in equal measure – a balance some might still aspire to. His boots are adorned with tiny panther heads. No one quite knows why. But then again, why not?

The motif was first sketched in 1689, but the design wasn’t officially approved until 1972, a leisurely 300 years later. Thorough, if nothing else.

In today’s version, the background is green, representing the town’s natural surroundings, while the figure is rendered in silver, a nod to its mining heritage. Kongsberg has had three coats of arms over the years, and this one happily nods to all three.

About the print

• Motif: The motif itself is composed entirely of thousands of tiny ink dots. A slow and time consuming technique known as stippling 

• Printing technique: After being digitised each print is made using giclée printing, a high-quality digital ink technique ideal for artwork

• Edition: The prints are signed and produced in a limited edition of 150. Each print also includes a signed certificate of authenticity.

• Paper: The prints are created on thick, slightly textured, high quality Hahnemühle paper, in 100% cotton.

• Size: Each image measures approximately 329 mm in height and 241 mm (13" × 9.5") in width, though the width may vary slightly (1–6 mm) due to the paper’s natural deckle edge.
  

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 a flat rate at 200NOK (close to €20), wherever you are, and your package typically takes 7–14 business days, depending on how friendly your local customs is feeling.