Emanuel Thelning

This Swedish artist around the turn of the 19th century made expressive pencil portraits in Helsinki. Look closely at the Drawing of Kauppaneuvos Johan Sederholm, a Finnish merchant captured with sharp lines and careful shading. The paper shows the wear of time, but the face leaps out—every crease and collar fold feels real. See how the artist lets the hat’s brim cast a quick shadow; the detail roots the sitter in the world. Tap into this portrait to explore more drawings from early Helsinki.