Artwork

Suomenlinnan kaleeritelakkaa rakennetaan

Suomenlinnan kaleeritelakkaa rakennetaan, by Augustin Ehrensvärd, 1751
Suomenlinnan kaleeritelakkaa rakennetaan, by Augustin Ehrensvärd, 1751

Suomenlinnan kaleeritelakkaa rakennetaan is a drawing by Augustin Ehrensvärd. It dates from 1751 and is held in the collection of the Helsinki City Museum.

About this work

Overview

Suomenlinnan kaleeritelakkaa rakennetaan is a painting by Augustin Ehrensvärd, created around 1751. It depicts a scene from the construction of Suomenlinna, a maritime fortress near Helsinki.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the construction of an oar-powered shipyard at Suomenlinna, capturing a moment of industrious activity on a rocky shore. Workers are busy building a large ship and loading materials onto boats.

Technique & Style

Ehrensvärd employs shading to convey depth and texture, notably on the ship's hull and rocky ground. The interplay of light and shadow animates the scene, while techniques like cross-hatching create texture through layered lines.

History & Provenance

As the designer of Suomenlinna and the Swedish archipelago fleet, Ehrensvärd oversaw the fortress's construction, making it a lifelong focus. The painting reflects his involvement in this significant project.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Augustin Ehrensvärd

Artist

Augustin Ehrensvärd

Field Marshal count Augustin Ehrensvärd (25 September 1710 – 4 October 1772) was a Swedish military officer, military architect, artist, creator of the Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) fortress, Svartholm fortress and the Swedish archipelago fleet.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Helsinki City Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.