Artwork
Iso Roobertinkatu 24
Iso Roobertinkatu 24 is a drawing by Rudolf Åkerblom. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the Helsinki City Museum.
About this work
Overview
Rudolf Åkerblom’s drawing titled Iso Roobertinkatu 24, dated around 1897, depicts a modest cluster of wooden structures perched on a sloping, muddy ground. The composition centers on three buildings of varying size, rendered with a focus on their material texture and simple architectural details.
Subject & Meaning
The scene presents a modest urban setting: a tiny edifice with a narrow window framed in yellow, a ladder resting against it, and a larger structure whose roof slopes sharply, its door ajar, accompanied by a wooden wheel and stacked crates. The work captures everyday life and the functional aspects of late‑19th‑century Finnish streetscapes.
Technique & Style
Åkerblom employs fine, controlled line work to delineate each plank, joint, and crack in the timber, creating a sense of tactile realism. The background sky is treated with a light wash, allowing the intricate cross‑hatched details of the buildings to dominate the visual field.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1897, the drawing is part of Åkerblom’s broader portfolio of architectural studies. Its provenance traces back to private collections before being acquired by the museum, where it serves as an example of his precise observational drawing style during the turn of the century.
Artist & collection
