Albert Edelfelt (1854-1905)

Albert Edelfelt is regarded as one of Finland's greatest artists of the 19th century. After studying in Antwerp and Paris, he settled in France, where he received several exhibition medals and was honored with the Legion of Honor, notably for the famous portrait of Pasteur. He was also summoned by Alexander III to St. Petersburg to portray the tsar's children. Edelfelt frequently revisited themes from Finnish history, such as the illustrations for the tales of Ensign Stål.

Edelfelt's motifs showcase artistic diversity, shifting between everyday life in the Finnish archipelago, prestigious society portraits, and historical painting. In his depictions of everyday life, he successfully combined traditional academic painting with the new techniques of plein-air painting, achieving significant success in France. The painting "Ett barns likfärd" was awarded a third-class medal at the annual Salon in Paris in 1880, marking the most significant international success for Finnish painting up to that point.

Albert Edelfelt is prominently represented, especially at the Ateneum in Helsinki, as well as at the National Museum in Stockholm and museums in Copenhagen, Luxembourg, and Paris.