Portrait of Matti Äyräpää

Akseli Gallen-Kallela is famous for his illustrations of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, and for his vibrant and luminous paintings of Finland’s countryside and people. His style was influenced by Realism, Symbolism and graphic art. Gallen-Kallela travelled extensively throughout his life, only to return with renewed affection and feeling of patriotism to his own country.

Pori, Finland