Stoltenberg, Mathias

First name sometimes spelled Matthias. Born at Tonsberg, Norway; deafened at age 10 or 11 probably by spinal meningitis. Educated at the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb in Copenhagen, Denmark. Upon graduation he first worked in cabinetmaking and mechanical drawing, but soon followed his interest in portrait painting, first in Denmark and then upon return to Norway in 1824, becoming an itinerant painter. Although born to a wealthy family, his father lost his business and Mathias himself lived very modestly, the final years of his life in poverty; his art was not truly appreciated until the 20th Century. Died and buried in Vang, Norway. His paintings hang all over Norway, including several in the National Gallery in Oslo, and a monument in Stoltenberg Park also commemorates him. A Norwegian postage stamp reproduces one of his works.