Theodor Kittelsen (1857–1914) was primarily a fine artist and illustrator, but he also worked as a woodcarver, designer, and author. Using his vivid imagination, Kittelsen conjured up a distinctive textual and pictorial universe based on Norwegian folk tales, legends, and folklore. He was also greatly inspired by Japanese aesthetics.

In line with the Art Nouveau ideal of breaking away from conventional thinking, Kittelsen was interested in highlighting the murkier aspects of life through intense imagery full of dread and horror. The book Svartedauen [The Black Death], which he both wrote and illustrated, is one of his most acclaimed works in this genre. These works contrast with his nature pictures from the various places he lived throughout his life, which he depicted with a gentler touch.

A third strand in his artistic career is his playful works full of situational comedy, where he displayed a keen eye for the more ludicrous aspects of human nature. In the comical series Har dyrene sjæl [Do Animals Have Souls?] from 1893 Kittelsen depicts various animals as stand-ins for humans and our more questionable characteristics.