Brief Biography-Peder Balke was from the Island of Helgoya, Norway. From age sixteen, he lived on the family farm in Toten, where he was subsidised by painting for local farmers. Balke subsequently entered the art academy in Stockholm, and at one stage, Balke studied under Johan Christian Dahl. He travelled Europe extensively, and by the time he returned to Stockholm, he was held in high regard and became considerably successful in his career.
Balkeby was a district in Oslo that he had a significant role in establishing when he purchased a farm in 1858. With his aid, settlers could construct their private dwellings on the land. It eventually grew in population and became a part of Oslo city.
Peder Balke, as an artist, was largely forgotten after his death, and it was only after a 1914 exhibition that his work was recognised again.