Krohg, Christian (1852-1925), Norwegian naturalistic painter and novelist who played a leading role in the transition of Norwegian art from romanticism to naturalism.

In Paris in the 1880s, Krohg came into contact with the realist theories of Émile Zola . Influenced by Zola, Krohg wrote a novel, Albertine (1886), that was unflinchingly realistic in its depiction of prostitution and poverty.

Most of his paintings depicted similar subjects. He taught art in Paris from 1902 to 1909, returning to Oslo to take up the position of director of what is now the National Academy of Arts. He remained at the Academy until 1925, serving both as director and as a professor.

With fellow Norwegian artist Erik Werenskiold, Krohg was part of the naturalist movement. Vigorous and straightforward, his painting reveals the underlying seriousness of the movement and its commitment to social justice.