Viking

Long after man had spread to every corner of Europe, Iceland remained out of his reach.

Early navigators may have drifted there and even lived to tell the tale; some such memory

may lie behind the "Island of Thule", shown by ancient geographers. The first certain

discoverers of Iceland were Irish monks who, in the style of St. Brendan, tested their faith

by undertaking perilous ocean voyages. Perhaps the conspicuous migrations of Icelandic

nesting birds across Ireland suggested to them the existence of land across the ocean. At

the beginning of the "Viking Age," c. 800 AD, the Irish knew how to get to Iceland and

back and some monks had spent considerable time in that empty country. There is no

evidence of any permanent settlement, however, or family migration from Ireland to

Iceland, nor did Irish strains of sheep or other farm animals survive in Iceland. Its

settlement was left to the Norse.

 

During the 9th century, Scandinavian seaborne warriors - the Vikings - preyed upon much

of Western Europe, especially the British Isles. In places they also settled down as war

lords, traders, or simply peasants. Norwegian Vikings extended their activities southwards

from earlier settlements in Shetland and Orkney, temporarily controlling parts of Scotland

and Ireland. They also ventured further into the ocean and settled the Faroes.

impressive portrait work, perfectly cropped. excellent expression as well.

Another very nice portrait. You do good work with these. Great detail without looking over-sharpened. I'd like to see a little more of the hat, though.

Hi Ice,

as usual I was absorved by the fascinasting history of your country.

Only this time, I won't forget to rate this image that is like going back to the same past you are refering too.

Clear, crisp, special picture. I like everything about it, specially the tones.

Awesome work.

Hugs.

Perfect and very beautiful portrait!!!!

Very nice portrait. Thanks for the story, this year is the year of the viking.

Truly a viking ! great portrait !

this is really a superb photograph. It has everything...

BEAUTIFUL CARACTER PORTRAIT

Great portrait Ice Rock.

really beautiful portrait and details..greetings..

Great portrait. I know this portrait from somewhere else! IceRock dear Friend is it YOU?

Biliana

A unique character beautifully portraied.

I would crop the upper left corner, just to clone away the black dust-dirty !

Cheers, Marco

Great detail, deep eyes, great light ... an excellent portrait. I'm just a bit disturbed by the shadow on the right eye.

Did you blur the left side in PS?

Vikings are a really interesting people, thanks for sharing.

 

 

Regards

Alberto

Excellent!

a superb portrait. well done my friend

Excellent! 7/7

The intensity of the expression you have captured is outstanding!

Dear Icerock,

 

Excellent portrait. Very good detail,light, shadow and shape.. etc...

 

Best regard...

A viking as a viking should be! This is how they must have been according to my imagination. Wonderful!

Best regards,

Great capture ICE, The Vikings also Ruled near where i live (York) they have a good Viking Museum there,you get a good insight to the way they lived. Terry.

A fine portrait but way over sharpened...especially in the hair.