Nordhagen headed it for 20 years, and without his work Norwegian graphic art would not have been able to obtain the position it holds today.
Norsk biografisk leksikon called two of his paintings "among the most peculiar to be created in contemporary Norwegian art".
A copy of this antemensalet who is considered one of the greatest works of Norwegian medieval art, hangs today in the church.
The museum shows both international and Norwegian art.
The prize is awarded annually to a person who has made a significant contribution to Norwegian art and culture.
Norwegian art came into its own in the 19th century, especially with the early landscape painters.
It was intended to show the quality and range of Norwegian art.
He published several volumes mostly dealing with Norwegian art in the Middle Ages.
It is granted to persons who with significance have contributed to the development or the protection of Norwegian art and cultural heritage.
In the open discussion at the assembly, he denounced the presence of a "camorra" in Norwegian art and literature, which acted as a "secret society".