Finnish art became notorious in Europe in 1900 at the World Fair in Paris, where the Finnish pavilion turned out to be one of the most popular pavilions at the exhibition. Paris had replaced Düsseldorf as the Mecca for Finnish artists already by 1880ies. Following the example of French art the artists adopted the idea of realistic approach and painting out in the nature became increasingly popular. Under the influence of realistic-naturalistic approach painters discovered the northern nature and national themes. Following the example of French symbolists, the painters were interested in a simplified language of images and the spiritual world of a human being. In the years 1890-1900 the national idea and the rebellious views towards the political pressure from Russia were interweaved in the Finnish art. Artists often traveled to Karelia which nature, folk art, tales and the archaic ways of life represented the genuine Finland and its people to them. Deserted wintry landscape, wild greenwoods, myths and folk tales – this is where the necessary symbols for building up the national identity at were searched.

Photo: Stanislav Stepaško