Sormet 1876

Helene Schjerfbeck created this unassuming pencil drawing entitled 'Sormet', or 'Fingers,' as the title translates. Schjerfbeck lived through tumultuous times, from the rise of industrialization to the world wars, witnessing profound shifts in society and artistic expression. As a woman artist during this era, Schjerfbeck had to navigate a male-dominated art world. This drawing of a hand, emerging from an obscured space, might be seen as a poignant symbol of Schjerfbeck’s negotiation of the established, conventional societal structures of her time. The hand could be interpreted as reaching out, seeking connection, or perhaps bracing itself against an unseen force. Schjerfbeck's ability to infuse a simple drawing with such emotional depth is a testament to her skill and sensitivity as an artist. In this context, the seemingly simple sketch becomes a powerful reflection on the artist's personal experience and the broader societal issues of identity and agency.