The Norwegian painter Asta Nørregaard refused to let social norms limit her ambitions. Known as the “fashion painter” of Norwegian art, she was born in Kristiania—now Oslo—in 1853. Nørregaard began her education at Knud Bergslien, a painting school. But because women were barred from attending academic institutions at the time, there were limited opportunities for women to become artists. Despite that reality, Nørregaard became Norway’s first woman artist to receive a commission for a religious work—the altarpiece at Gjøvik Church. She is best known for her vividly expressive portraits—subjects ranging from Edvard Munch to Norwegian women’s rights activists. Her capture of character is enhanced by her way with clothing, the drama of dress. Continuing to forge her own path, Nørregaard opened her own painting school and set up funds for female artists. She died in 1933, and is now receiving renewed attention as a force in Norwegian art. This exhibition features major works from the 1870s through the 1920s. —Maggie Turner