Akseli Gallen-Kallela

Robert Kajanus, Helsinki (a gift from the artist)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Onni Okkonen, A. Gallen-Kallela. Elämä ja taide, Helsinki, 1949, pp. 794-795, discussed; p. 795, illustrated

This condition report has been provided by Jane McAusland FIIC, Conservator and Restorer of Art on Paper, Nether Hall Barn, Old Newton, Nr Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14. Support The artist has used a sheet of thick paper to simulate Japan, but was made in Europe. As this work has been rolled for many years, related creases show throughout. Medium The gouache medium is cracked horizontally where this work has been rolled. There are some small losses on the gold lettering. Otherwise it is in good condition. The illustration compares favourably with the original. Note: This work was viewed behind glass and outside studio conditions. JANE McAUSLAND
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Executed in 1916, Gallen-Kallela created the present work to mark the 60^th birthday of his close friend the leading Finnish conductor Robert Kajanus (b. 1856). Conceived as an illustrated manuscript and presented as a scroll in its own hollowed out and hand carved baton, the main image closely relates to the large oil painting The Fire Worshippers that Gallen-Kallela painted the same year (fig. 1).

Gallen-Kallela selected the scene from The Kalevala, the Finnish national epic that began with the creation of the world and recounts the mythological history of Finland. The particular event depicted is a gathering of men witnessing the birth of fire. With their backs to the viewer, the crowd looks on in awe and devotion at a massive pyre as the flames rise high above their heads. Lying on a boulder in the foreground is a Kantele, a Finnish lute. From beneath the stone a spring emerges. Laden with symbolism, below the gouache and Gallen-Kallela's colourful dedication to Kajanus, are the lines from the Kalevala from which the scene derives. The poem ends: 'Your spirit glows for the joy of mankind'.

Gallen-Kallela's tribute to Kajanus reflects not only their long friendship but also their shared love of their country, their respect for its folklore and their yearning to promote a strong sense of Finnish national identity. Their acquaintance dated from at least their time together as members of Young Finland in the 1890s. Formed from a gathering of the country's cultural elite, the aim of this circle of writers, artists and musicians was to bring about a spiritual renaissance in Finland. Gallen-Kallela painted the leading voices of the movement in his group portrait Symposium of 1894 (fig. 2). From left to right are Gallen-Kallela, Oskar Merikanto, Robert Kajanus and Jean Sibelius portrayed at the moment when they are about to divine the ultimate knowledge of art and creation. Twenty-two years later Gallen-Kallela's paean to Kajanus is similarly symbolic and suggests in its subject - the birth of fire - the conductor's supreme creativity. 

Sold together with the artist's hand carved and painted pine scroll case.

FIG. 1: Akseli Gallen-Kallela, The Fire Worshippers, 1916, oil on canvas, City of Pori Art Collection, Pori


FIG. 2: Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Sketch for Symposium, 1894, Gösta Serlachius Art Foundation, Mänttä