Artwork
Maisema
Maisema is an unspecified painting by Berndt Lagerstam. It is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The work depicts a tranquil shoreline where a rocky beach extends into still water.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a tranquil shoreline where a rocky beach extends into still water. A prominent boulder rises partially from the sea, surrounded by smaller stones and sparse grass. Beyond, a modestly forested island appears on the horizon beneath a bright, cloud‑filled sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on the interaction between land and water, emphasizing the solidity of the rocks against the gentle expanse of the sea. The distant island suggests a quiet, isolated landscape, inviting contemplation of nature’s calm and the subtle transitions between shore and horizon.
Technique & Style
The surface is treated with thick, visible brushstrokes, especially on the rocks and wave areas, creating a tactile, three‑dimensional quality. This application of paint in a raised manner aligns with the impasto technique, which emphasizes texture and the physical presence of the medium.
Context
The painting’s emphasis on texture and natural scenery reflects a broader interest in rendering landscape with a palpable sense of materiality. The use of impasto connects it to a tradition where artists seek to convey atmospheric conditions and surface detail through the physical buildup of paint.
Artist & collection
Artist
Berndt Lagerstam made landscapes and metal sculptures in the late 1800s. His “Maisema” shows a quiet Finnish field with soft light, and “Omakuva” is a self-portrait cut into metal. The portrait of Mrs. Ahnger in…
