The Great Kalevala, woodcut print of Väinämöinen and the eagle (1906-1930)
Technique: Giclée quality print
Recommended by our customers
More about this artwork
Dive into the mystical world of Finnish folklore through Akseli Gallen-Kallela's striking woodcut print, “The Great Kalevala,” featuring the mythical bard Väinämöinen along with a majestic eagle. This work, created between 1906 and 1930, captures the essence of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, which is a cornerstone of Finnish culture and identity.In this powerful black and white composition, Väinämöinen is depicted at ease in a natural landscape, possibly invoking his magical songs which are central to many tales in the Kalevala. The figure of the eagle, large and prominently featured, symbolizes strength and freedom, and is often considered a guide or a protector in mythology.Gallen-Kallela’s mastery in woodcut technique is evident in the textures and contrasts he achieves, which convey a rugged and wild atmosphere fitting to the epic's grandeur. The use of stark black and invasive white echoes the themes of mysticism and eternal struggle prevalent in the Kalevala.This artwork not only visually represents a piece of the Kalevala’s narrative but also evokes the deep connection between Finnish people and their natural environment, and the spiritual lore that threads through their history.