INSATISFACCIÓN

Christa Zaat

Albert Gustaf Aristides Edelfelt (Finnish painter), 1854 - 1905 
Skulptören Ville Vallgren o Hans Hustru (The Sculptor Ville Vallgren and his Wife), 1886
pastel and casein distemper on canvas
116 x 139 cm.
signed and dated l.r.: A. Edelfelt. 1886.
Goteborgs Konstmuseum, Sweden

Together with Helene Sofia Schjerfbeck, Albert Edelfelt is today one of the most well-known Finnish artists.Edelfelt was born into a Swedish-speaking aristocratic family and educated at the Imperial University in Helsinki. He was early on frustrated by the unprogressive atmosphere of the university and left in 1873 to enroll in the Antwerp Academy of Art. He studied history painting there for six months before moving to Paris in 1874. Paris was the premiere destination for artists all over the world due to its position as the most culturally and artistically progressive city at the end of the nineteenth century. Edelfelt was immediately drawn to the Parisian lifestyle and encouraged by the endless opportunities personally and professionally. Not only did the extensive network of museums, galleries and dealers provide constant stimulation for the aspiring artist, but the wealthy, sophisticated Parisians proved a ready clientele. Concurrent with his move from the conservative city of Antwerp to the cosmopolitan French capital, was Edelfelt's turn away from history painting toward painting scenes of contemporary life. Edelfelt went on to become the leading proponent of Finnish Realism and his native country's most important cultural export of the 19th century.