Who is Finland’s most famous artist?
Finland’s most famous artist is considered by many to be Akseli Gallen-Kallela. He is one of Finland’s most significant and internationally known artists, who has left a lasting mark on Finnish art history. Gallen-Kallela is especially known for his national romantic works, which draw their motifs from Finnish nature and folklore.
The life and career of Akseli Gallen-Kallela
Akseli Gallen-Kallela was born on April 26, 1865 in Pori and died on March 7, 1931 in Stockholm. His original name was Axel Waldemar Gallén, but he changed his name to Finnish in 1907. Gallen-Kallela studied art in Helsinki and Paris, and his career began in the 1880s.
Most important works
Gallen-Kallela’s most famous works include:
- Aino-taru (1891), which is based on the stories of the Kalevala.
- Sammon’s Defense (1896), which depicts the battle of the heroes of the Kalevala.
- Lemminkäinen’s mother (1897), which shows the Kalevala’s Lemminkäinen’s mother bringing her son back to life.
Impact and legacy
Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s influence on Finnish art and culture is immense. His works have been exhibited in numerous exhibitions both in Finland and abroad, and they have inspired many subsequent artists. Gallen-Kallela’s art has also been an important part of Finland’s national identity and cultural heritage.
Sources
You can read more about Akseli Gallen-Kallela from the following sources:
