A Palace Room with Avian Flair

In 1814, Swedish King Karl Johan III commissioned a new palace in Oslo. He wanted a lavish place to stay during his many visits to his new territory of Norway. Though the French-born sovereign was not a fan of Norwegian Nationalism, those who designed, built and decorated his new home most definitely were. Their commitment to their homeland is showcased in the unusual décor for the king’s antechamber, or waiting room, known as the Bird Room.

Many royal antechambers are extravagantly decorated to flaunt wealth and power, but Hans D. F. Linstow, the architect for the palace, chose instead to flaunt the natural beauty of Norway. Artist Johannes Flintoe was invited to cover the walls and ceiling with a huge mural, emulating an open garden pavilion with vines clinging to thin wooden pillars. Looking out from the pavilion, the viewer can admire the most famous overlooks in Norway.

The stars of the chamber are the 43 perched and fluttering birds. The Norwegian Ornithological Society has identified 14 species of birds, including a white-tailed eagle swooping across the ceiling. Others are willow grouse, swallows, white wagtails, great gray shrikes, song thrushes, redstarts, pine grosbeaks, common crossbills, bullfinches, house sparrows, yellowhammers, magpies, hooded crows, and one as of yet unidentified bird.

The most controversial artwork in the room is the Norwegian coat of arms painted all by itself at the top of a console mirror. Norway was still in union with Sweden, and at the time, the two coats of arms always had to be depicted together in government buildings. The palace committee were at first concerned that the Swedish king might take offence. However, after some deliberation, they decided that since the Norwegian coat of arms was unlikely to be displayed at the palace in Stockholm, that the solo Norwegian coat of arms in the Oslo palace antechamber should be perfectly acceptable.

You can find out more about the Royal Place on the Royal House of Norway website.