Artwork
Antti Juhani
Antti Juhani is a photography by Venny Soldan-Brofeldt. It dates from 1913 and is held in the collection of the Järvenpää Art Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1913 by Finnish painter Venny Soldan‑Brofeldt, this portrait depicts an infant named Antti Juhani. The composition centers on the child’s face, set against a dark, unadorned background that isolates the figure and draws the viewer’s attention to the delicate features.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is a newborn or very young child, shown with large, dark eyes that meet the viewer directly. A soft, light‑colored cap rests on his head, and a pale, yellowish garment with white trim covers his torso. The expression combines calmness with a hint of curiosity, suggesting both innocence and a nascent awareness of the surrounding world.
Technique & Style
Soldan‑Brofeldt employs a pronounced impasto technique, applying thick layers of paint especially on the cap and the child’s cheeks. This tactile approach creates a textured surface that catches light, emphasizing the materiality of the medium while preserving the softness of the infant’s skin.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the early twentieth century, a period when Soldan‑Brofeldt was active in Finnish artistic circles. While specific ownership records are limited, the painting remains associated with the artist’s personal oeuvre, reflecting her interest in intimate domestic subjects during that era.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wendla Irene Soldan-Brofeldt, known as Venny (2 November 1863, Helsinki – 10 October 1945, Lohja) was a Finnish painter, illustrator, graphic artist, wood sculptor and jewelry designer.
