Artwork
Ruotsinsalmi poltetaan, kohtaus "Oolannin sodasta" 1855

Ruotsinsalmi poltetaan, kohtaus "Oolannin sodasta" 1855 is an unspecified painting by Berndt Abraham Godenhjelm. It is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Ruotsinsalmi poltetaan, kohtaus 'Oolannin sodasta' (1855) depicts a serene landscape juxtaposed with distant flames, as figures on a hill overlook a burning area across a small lake.
Subject & Meaning
The scene portrays a moment from the 'Åland War', specifically the burning of Ruotsinsalmi. The calm observers and soft surroundings contrast with the distant conflagration, potentially suggesting a controlled or strategic burning rather than chaotic warfare.
Technique & Style
The artist employed soft colors and gentle brushstrokes to capture the interplay of light and shadow, subtly invoking chiaroscuro to enhance the dramatic contrast between the peaceful foreground and the smoldering background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1855, the painting documents a historical event from the Åland War. Specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
The work is set against the backdrop of the Åland War, a conflict that influenced the artist's choice of subject. The serene depiction amidst war reflects a nuanced artistic approach to historical events.
Legacy
The painting's legacy is not detailed in the provided information, though it serves as a visual record of a specific moment in the Åland War, offering insights into 19th-century artistic responses to conflict.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist painted portraits and religious scenes in 19th-century Finland. Try his *Self-Portrait* to see his direct gaze, or peek at his sketches for Vihdin church’s *Resurrection of Christ*. His work sits between…



















