Portrait of Professor Carl Gustaf Estlander 1896

Albert Edelfelt, a Finnish painter, made this portrait of Professor Carl Gustaf Estlander using oil on canvas. Edelfelt was a key figure in bringing Realism to Finnish art, a style focused on depicting subjects honestly, without idealization. Look closely, and you'll see the textures and details in Estlander's face and clothing, reflecting this commitment to realism. Finland during this time was experiencing a surge in national identity, and Estlander, as a professor, was part of the intellectual class that helped shape the nation's cultural values and institutions. The portrait reflects the conservative values of that time. The setting is dark and reserved. Estlander is wearing formal attire, projecting an image of authority. To understand a portrait like this, we can look into the biographies of both the artist and the sitter. Investigating the cultural and political conditions of Finland in this period will give us a better understanding of the values being projected.