Description
The painting Lemminkäinen's Mother by Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela is an impressive work depicting the epic story of Finnish mythology. The painting, measuring 86 x 109 cm, was created in 1897 and is one of the artist's most famous works.
Gallen-Kallela's artistic style is unique and distinctive. He was known for his nationalistic style, which was inspired by nature and Finnish culture. In Lemminkäinen's Mother, her artistic style can be clearly seen, combining realistic and symbolic elements to create a powerful and evocative image.
The composition of the painting is impressive. The central figure of the painting is Lemminkäinen's mother, who is seated on a stone throne. She is surrounded by nature, which extends into the background of the image. In the foreground, there is a coiled snake at his feet, which symbolizes danger and death. The composition of the painting is symmetrical, which creates an effect of balance and harmony.
Color is another interesting aspect of painting. Gallen-Kallela used a rich and vibrant color palette to create a powerful and evocative image. The dark tones of Lemminkäinen's mother's clothing contrast with the bright colors of the nature around her.
The story behind the painting is fascinating. Lemminkäinen's mother is an important character in Finnish mythology. In the story, her son Lemminkäinen is killed and she resurrects him with the help of a magical bird. Gallen-Kallela's painting depicts this moment of resurrection and shows the strength and power of Lemminkäinen's mother.
Finally, there are some little-known aspects of the painting that are interesting to mention. For example, Gallen-Kallela created a larger version of the painting measuring 143 x 180 cm. Additionally, the painting was used as a decoration in the Rockefeller family home in New York in the 1920s.
In summary, Akseli Gallen-Kallela's painting Lemminkäinen's Mother is an impressive work that combines realistic and symbolic elements to create a powerful and evocative image. Its artistic style, composition, color and the story behind the painting make it a fascinating and important work in Finnish art history.