Meadows and Wilderness

Serlachius Manor

26.11.2016

—01.01.2019

Akseli Gallen-Kallelan maalaama syksyinen maisema

Collection exhibition of classical landscape paintings

The landscapes of the Golden Age were seen as a unifying factor for the nation when, one hundred years ago, patriotic images were created for the soon to be independent Finland. Eras change, perspectives vary, but ultimately the relationship between humankind and nature is fundamental.

The roots of Western landscape art extend far into the past. On the lower floor of Joenniemi Manor, five halls will display works of Dutch landscape artists and classics of French plein air realism as well as depictions of the seasonal cycle of the Finnish meadows and forests. 

The exhibition explores the heart of the harmony between Finnish lakeland nature and the common people. Also depicted is the fierce struggle for survival in the wilderness, far from the world of genteel parks and pleasure trips.

With regard to old art, the exhibition’s artists include Jan van de Cappelle, Jacob van Ruisdael and Antoni van Verstralen as well as French artists such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Gustave Courbet.

The exhibition will also display paintings from Finnish Golden Age masters including, among others, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Hugo Simberg, Ferdinand von Wright, Fanny Churberg and Ellen Thesleff as well as sculptures from Emil Wikström, Ville Vallgren and Jussi Mäntynen.

Exhibitions curator is Head of Collections Tarja Talvitie.