This compelling photograph captures a trio of stacked stone cairns against the vast, gray-blue winter sky near Reykjavík, Iceland, in December 2023. More than just a simple rock stack, the image speaks to a centuries-old tradition in the Icelandic landscape.
Before roads and GPS, cairns (vörður in Icelandic) were critical navigation aids, built by Viking settlers and travelers as early as the 9th century. These meticulously placed stone piles served as life-saving markers, guiding those on foot and horseback across unforgiving terrain, through fog, snow, and lava fields. To see the cairns is to connect with the resilience of the first travelers, each stone a silent promise of safe passage and a landmark in a wild, featureless landscape.
The stark, minimalist composition—three human-made stacks against the backdrop of an Icelandic winter—evokes a powerful sense of quiet endurance and the profound relationship between humanity and nature. This print is a perfect piece for anyone drawn to history, travel, and the elemental beauty of the Nordic world.
Available with our premium frames or as a standalone print:
Premium Framed Paper Prints (Classic Presentation)
Our Premium Framed Paper Prints offer a classic, museum-quality presentation with a substantial frame profile.
-
Frame Material: Crafted from responsibly sourced oak and ash wood, showcasing unique wood grains for added character.
-
Frame Color: Choose from natural wood, sleek black, or crisp white options.
-
Frame Dimensions: Substantial profile with a width and thickness of 20mm (0.79”)—significantly wider than a classic frame.
-
Ready-to-Hang: Includes a hanging kit.
-
Protection: Protected by shatterproof plexiglass.
-
Note: Uses the high-quality paper detailed below.
Framed Canvas Prints (The Gallery Look)
Elevate your space with our Framed Canvas Prints, featuring rich texture that adds depth for a captivating art experience.
-
Canvas Material: Cotton-polyester blend (300-350gsm) stretched over FSC-certified wood stretcher bars.
-
Frame Wood: Sustainably sourced FSC-certified or locally sourced poplar or pine.
-
Frame Colors: Choose from Black, Natural Wood, or Dark Brown.
-
Frame Dimensions (Floater Style): The front frame width is thin (9 to 14 mm) with a gap to create the floating effect. Thickness varies by region (up to 42 mm).
-
Hanging Kit: Included with all prints.
Unframed & Premium Print Paper Quality
This paper quality applies to all Unframed Prints and the paper used inside the Premium Framed Paper Prints.
-
Paper Weight: Heavy 200 gsm (80 lb), with a thickness of 0.22 mm (8.7 mils), ensuring durability and longevity.
-
Paper Finishing: Features a matte, smooth, uncoated finish for an elegant, non-glare look.
-
Sustainable Paper: Made with FSC-certified materials or equivalent, promoting environmental responsibility.
