By The River Of Tuonela, Study For The Jusélius Mausoleum Frescos (1903)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
In this evocative study for the Jusélius Mausoleum frescoes, Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela dives deep into the realm of Finnish mythology, depicted through the somber and stirring scenes by the River of Tuonela. This river, central to Finnish folklore, is traditionally seen as the boundary between the world of the living and the dead, akin to the Styx of Greek mythology.This painting is a compelling tableau of intense emotion and symbolic richness. Central to the composition is a boat steered by a gaunt, sharply focussed figure, his sinewy muscles tensed in the act of navigating the dark waters. This figure, evocative of a Charon-like character from mythology, ferries the souls of the deceased, represented here by the naked figure inside the boat, curled up vulnerably.To the right, a varied group of onlookers, from the elderly to the young, echoing the universal impact of death across all ages, offers a poignant backdrop. Their expressions, ranging from resigned sorrow to deep contemplation, invite viewers to reflect on themes of mortality and the inevitability of death. Of note is the young girl in a dark dress, turned away from the viewer, her posture one of melancholy introspection.