Norway

2011 50 x 50 x 3.6 cm | 29 kg – Multi-layer fused glass with pigment inclusion

The Norwegian flag, which evolved according to the country's major historical events, reflects the centuries of Danish domination (1397-1805), differing from the Dannebrog, the flag of Denmark, which it used throughout this period, only by adding the blue cross in its center. At the time of the alliance with the Swedish Crown in 1814, there was first the provisional appearance of the Norwegian lion in the canton (top left corner) of the flag. Then the current version was formalized in 1821 as a merchant flag. Finally, after Norway's complete independence in 1905, it was definitively adopted by the country. The Christian cross on a red background at Danneborg refers to the legend according to which, during the Crusades, when the warriors were in bad shape, a large piece of red fabric crossed out with a white cross fell from the sky. They grabbed the banner and – oh miracle! – obtained victory. The blue cross can be interpreted as a reference to the blue of the Swedish flag (blue and gold) with which Norway was united from 1814 to 1905, but it also reflects the influence of blue, white and red, the colors of freedom.