Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946) is a Finnish national icon. To a modern eye, the painting seems traditional but, first presented in Finland, it was deemed, according to Anna-Maria von Bonsdorff, “too modern, not polished enough, too French”. Unsurprisingly, the French liked it: it won a bronze medal in Paris and was bought by the Ateneum and has been a favourite with gallery-goers ever since. Anna-Maria von Bonsdorff says: “It is the subject that draws people because it is about hope – an unusually positive picture in modern art. Customize it with your own details. You can add a background or change/delete the existing one. For further customization, please click the "Personalize” link and use our design tool to modify this template.