If you’re Finnish, this is the painting you think of the way Americans think of John Trumbull’s “Signing of the Declaration of Independence.” Thelming’s painting celebrates the Diet of Porvoo, the legislative assembly that established the Grand Principality of Finland in 1809. The idea of an independent Finland, however, had to wait a while, as the Diet of Porvoo was mostly a way for Tsar Alexander I to keep Finland, which he had taken from Sweden by force of arms, under his own control. Finland finally became independent of Russia in 1917.
The artist was born a Swede in Västergötland, then as now part of Sweden. At the age of 31 he moved to Helsinki, which is, of course, now part of Finland. He is therefore considered a Finnish painter. This painting is Thelming’s main claim to fame, but he had a long career as a professional artist, doing portraits, altarpieces and landscapes. Ironically, he died in St. Petersburg after celebrating Finland’s move toward independence from Russia. Perhaps it’s not so ironic after all; the Russian government liked his image of the Diet of Porvoo well enough to grant him a pension for it. In other words, to a Russian, it’s a pro-Russian painting; to a Finn, it’s not. That’s how art works!
has a description, as well as info and links that point to info about this painting (best viewed by Google Chrome – can automatically translate linked pages, if necessary).
Again, a larger strip image is shown by clicking the image in Mr. Melcher’s MASTERPIECE #1681 (April 5, 2017) entry, accessible by the Check out the blog! box below the last comment; so, I won’t point to it here.
BE THIS GUY over 7 years ago
“What do you mean you forgot to bring a Bible to administer the oath?”
katzenbooks45 over 7 years ago
“No, YOU tell him the bride has run off with his best man!”
J Short over 7 years ago
Getting ready to demonstrate the new fashionable guillotine from Tiffany.
maltmash3r over 7 years ago
I see we have a question from the studio audience
rugeirn over 7 years ago
If you’re Finnish, this is the painting you think of the way Americans think of John Trumbull’s “Signing of the Declaration of Independence.” Thelming’s painting celebrates the Diet of Porvoo, the legislative assembly that established the Grand Principality of Finland in 1809. The idea of an independent Finland, however, had to wait a while, as the Diet of Porvoo was mostly a way for Tsar Alexander I to keep Finland, which he had taken from Sweden by force of arms, under his own control. Finland finally became independent of Russia in 1917.
The artist was born a Swede in Västergötland, then as now part of Sweden. At the age of 31 he moved to Helsinki, which is, of course, now part of Finland. He is therefore considered a Finnish painter. This painting is Thelming’s main claim to fame, but he had a long career as a professional artist, doing portraits, altarpieces and landscapes. Ironically, he died in St. Petersburg after celebrating Finland’s move toward independence from Russia. Perhaps it’s not so ironic after all; the Russian government liked his image of the Diet of Porvoo well enough to grant him a pension for it. In other words, to a Russian, it’s a pro-Russian painting; to a Finn, it’s not. That’s how art works!
Knightman Premium Member over 7 years ago
“Hello!” Just wanted to hear my echo.
Linguist over 7 years ago
Steve Bannon ( lower right ) finding out he’s been kicked off the National Security Council.
mabrndt Premium Member over 7 years ago
1 URL (copy as one line):
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Porvoon_valtiop%C3%A4iv%C3%A4t_1809_by_Emanuel_Thelning.jpg
has a description, as well as info and links that point to info about this painting (best viewed by Google Chrome – can automatically translate linked pages, if necessary).
Again, a larger strip image is shown by clicking the image in Mr. Melcher’s MASTERPIECE #1681 (April 5, 2017) entry, accessible by the Check out the blog! box below the last comment; so, I won’t point to it here.