French artist François-Auguste Biard painted extraordinary pictures when he was in Norway in 1839 as part of a scientific research expedition. His most arresting painting is Kamp med isbjorner (Fighting Polar Bears) depicting powerful polar bears in battle two men and a young boy. Eyes, both man and bear, burn with fury and fear, giving the painting a compelling sense of adventure. It's now six months since I saw it for the first time in Tromso, and I'm still astounded by its presence. It's all in the eyes.
