Interior from Øvre Nanset

In this quiet scene, Norwegian artist Harriet Backer depicts an unused living room in Øvre Nanset, Larvik, on the Oslo Fjord. During winter, the room served as a cool storage space for houseplants, creating an unusual indoor landscape. Tall greenery reaches toward the high ceilings, illuminated by the cold, diffused light streaming through large windows.

The composition presented Backer with a technical challenge: the varied green leaves reflect the wintry light differently, creating a rich play of tones. The cool luminosity contrasts with the warmth of yellow and red textiles scattered throughout the room. Like many of her contemporaries, Backer was deeply interested in how the winter season shaped both outdoor and indoor light.

P.S. Bring this quiet winter light to your desk! You’ll find Backer’s masterpiece and many more in our new Weekly Desk Calendar for 2026, which you can order in the DailyArt Shop.  :)

P.P.S. Are there any plant lovers among DailyArt fans? Here are house plants in art!  If you are more interested in plant ... owners, here are boys with plants (artsy edition).  ;)