Le depart de Väinämöinen 1906

Editor: This is Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s "The Departure of Väinämöinen," painted in 1906. The use of oil gives the scene a really otherworldly feeling, almost dreamlike, especially with the ghostly figures in the background. What do you make of the narrative being presented here? Curator: It's tempting to view this solely through a lens of Finnish nationalism, considering Gallen-Kallela’s investment in the Kalevala, Finland's national epic. But what if we consider the image’s positioning of Väinämöinen, the aging hero, departing as a commentary on shifting power dynamics, or even the artist’s own anxieties about artistic relevance in a rapidly changing society? What does his leaving mean in terms of access and privilege for the future generations represented by the children depicted? Editor: That’s an interesting point about anxieties regarding progress and relevance. I hadn’t considered that before. How does Gallen-Kallela's style contribute to these readings? Curator: The Romantic style, with its emphasis on emotion and the power of nature, frames Väinämöinen’s departure as a poignant farewell to a specific way of life. Notice how the figures are both idealized and yet grounded in what looks like everyday clothing. He’s a mythological figure, but also potentially reflective of the displacement that occurred due to rapid industrialisation in Finland. Does that blend resonate with your impression? Editor: Absolutely, that contrast makes him more relatable, more human, despite his legendary status. I now see the piece as less about nationalistic pride and more about grappling with societal transformation. Curator: Precisely. It highlights how artworks, while seemingly rooted in a specific context, also offer avenues for exploring universal themes of identity, loss, and social change. Editor: This makes me appreciate how an image can be understood from very different points of view!