Who Is Thorvald Hellesen?
Thorvald Hellesen (25 December 1888 – 22 October 1937) was a Norwegian abstract artist, designer and painter. His art was associated with the Orphic Cubism movement.
Around 1920, Hellesen…was one of few Norwegian artists to be inspired by cubism, but the painting also evinces a keen awareness of the other nascent movements of the time.
Text: Øystein Ustvedt
From “Highlights. Art from Antiquity to 1945”, Nasjonalmuseet 2014, ISBN 978-82-8154-088-0
What is a Balalaika?
Although we do not know why Thorvald Hellesen chose to depict a balalaika in this painting, musical instruments in general were a frequent motif in cubist paintings. The balalaika has its origins in Russian folk music and is often used to articulate a quick, repetitive rhythm, and both musicality and rhythm typify Hellesen’s painting.
Text: Øystein Ustvedt
From “Highlights. Art from Antiquity to 1945”, Nasjonalmuseet 2014, ISBN 978-82-8154-088-0
Click for Enlarged View
Slideshow best viewed At Sunnyside
Details: Art
- Thorvald Hellesen
- Balalaika (NOR)
- Creation date: ca. 1916
- Object type: Maleri (Painting)
- Materials and techniques: Olje på lerret (oil on canvas)
- Dimensions: 61 x 50 cm
- Source: Nasjonalmuseet, The Fine Art Collections
- Link: http://samling.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/object/NG.M.03283
Details: Music
- Concert variations on the theme of the Russian folk song “Valenki”
- Artist: Anastasia Tyurina (balalaika)
- Osipov Russian Folk Orchestra
- Conductor – Vladimir Andropov
- Tchaikovsky Concert Hall
- Moscow, September 13, 2018
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~Sunnyside
At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet 
That is one tremendously talented young lady!
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Spunky little thing, isn’t she?! Thanks for visiting, EC. 🙂
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Thoroughly enjoyable. Art and music definitley do go hand in hand. I had never seen a Balalaika before, I was attracted to it because I have a passion for stringed instruments.
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I decided to post before completing this morning, but have just updated. The instrument is so interesting to me that I wanted to read some more. Knowing you enjoyed this through your love of guitar makes my day, Ally. Thanks for visting! 😊 ❤️
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You’re welcome my friend. Take care and be well 🙂
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🙏😎
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Lovely 😊. I really liked your idea of putting the video with rhe painting. What a little prodigy!!! Thank you for raising our awareness to new flavor combinations. Happy Sunday!!!
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She is remarkable! 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Jennifer, and Happy Sunday to you also! 🙏
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I always learn something here. I cannot say I am a fan of cubist art. Instead, this post drew my attention b/c it featured the balalaika. My mother loved the film “Doctor Zhivago” which, also, featured the balalaika. Thank you for reminding me of her.
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Anna, so sorry for the delay. I’m pleased that you shared your memory of your mother and the balalaika. I haven’t watched “Doctor Zhivago” in many, many years and did not even remember a balalaika. Thank you for posting! ❤️
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I recommend you sit back and close your eyes. It is breathtaking that way…
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Good to ‘see’ you, Joyce. 🙂
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I sent it off to a dastardly scientist. I did it on a whim. Do you think he can be melted towards life with beauty?
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Tough case, hmmm…..we can hope! lol
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I know someone on here that would love this video. I am going to send them a link to this post. I do not know if you get a ping-back for comments, so I left a comment to let you know it touched me enough to share. Thank you.
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Welcome, Marlapaige! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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Thank you, and you’re welcome.
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