Helene Schjerfbeck

(1862–1946)

Måsse II, 1943

The model for this oil painting was Helene Schjerfbeck’s nephew, Måns “Måsse” Schjerfbeck, who was a biology and geography teacher at a Swedish school in Helsinki. Being close and dear to his aunt, Måsse appeared in many portraits by Schjerfbeck. At the time of completion, the artist lived in Sweden, to where she had emigrated to escape the war. Måsse’s angular looks and solemn character are carefully portrayed. The tall, slim nephew was known as a contemplative person, who could be a strict teacher when necessary. The geometric style, pronounced outlines and simplification that characterise Schjerfbeck’s later works are evident here.

Photograph by Rauno Träskelin