Price : The title is in the old Norse language, and means something like “Beautiful is the hillside”. This is a line in one of the old Icelandic Sagas (Njála) and is spoken by the hero Gunnar á Liðarende. After some intricate disputes between clans, including vendettas, Gunnar is condemned to leave Iceland and his farm to save his life. It is not easy for him, but he prepares a ship. On his way down to the ship on the day of departure, however, he turns around to have one last look and, as he speaks these words. And he there and then decides to go home again and take the fight, and almost certainly will kill him. And that is exactly what happens! The Icelandic Sagas made a strong impression on me as a young student of the old Norse language. When I made this painting this specific moment was in my memory.