Sigbjørn Obstfelder

Who was Sigbjørn Obstfelder?

Sigbjørn Obstfelder, was a Norwegian writer, born in Stavanger.

Primarily known as a writer of poetry, Obstfelder's debut collection of poems from 1893, Digte, is usually credited as one of the earliest examples of modernism in Norwegian literature. Despite producing only a mere handful of works during his short lifespan, he is considered one of the most important figures in Norwegian literature of the late 19th century. Strongly influenced by the French poet Charles Baudelaire, his writings have often been described as the literary equivalent of Edvard Munch's paintings; indeed, the two were friends. Obstfelder was a source of inspiration for Rainer Maria Rilke's work The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge.

Although known more for his poems, Obstfelder also wrote and published prose works. His first published prose were two short stories, which came out in 1895. The following year he published his famous novel Cross. In 1897, he published a play, The Red Dråbe, which was listed in the National Theater in 1902. Several of his works were published posthumously, including the unfinished A Praest's Diary. His journals from his stay in the U.S. were also published. In 2000, on the occasion of the 100th death anniversary of Obstfelder's death, a collection of his works was published.