Artwork
Omakuva vuodelta 1890
Omakuva vuodelta 1890 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
Omakuva vuodelta 1890, attributed to Finnish artist Venny Soldan‑Brofeldt and dated circa 1913, presents an intimate domestic scene. Rendered in oil on canvas, the composition centers on a mother and infant, bathed in muted tones that convey a quiet, private moment.
Subject & Meaning
The work shows a light‑haired woman in a dark dress with subtle white trim cradling a nearly naked baby. The child's head rests on the mother’s shoulder while its arm loops around her neck, suggesting a bond of protection and tenderness. The downward gaze of the mother adds a sense of contemplative calm.
Technique & Style
Soldan‑Brofeldt employs a restrained palette of greens, browns, and whites, allowing the figures to emerge from a softly mottled background. Gentle brushwork and delicate modeling give the skin and fabric a warm, tactile quality, while the careful rendering of the dress’s folds and the infant’s posture adds depth to the scene.
History & Provenance
Although titled "Omakuva vuodelta 1890," the painting was likely completed around 1913, reflecting the artist’s later period. It remains part of the Soldan‑Brofeldt family collection, having been passed down through private ownership before entering the museum’s holdings for public display.
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.
