Who painted Portrait of Jalo Sihtola?

Portrait of Jalo Sihtola was painted by Yrjö Ollila in 1910.

Where can I see Portrait of Jalo Sihtola?

Portrait of Jalo Sihtola is held by Finnish National Gallery.

What movement is Portrait of Jalo Sihtola?

Portrait of Jalo Sihtola is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Portrait of Jalo Sihtola

Yrjö Ollila , 1910

Portrait of Jalo Sihtola is a graphite painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Yrjö Ollila. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1910 by Finnish artist Yrjö Ollila, this graphite portrait presents Jalo Sihtola seated on a couch, absorbed in a book. Rendered on paper, the work measures a modest size and resides in the Ateneum’s collection in Helsinki. Its composition captures a quiet, introspective moment, emphasizing the sitter’s engagement with reading.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is shown in a dark coat with a hat placed beside him, his legs crossed and head inclined toward the open volume of the book. The setting—a light‑toned wall and simple furnishings—focuses attention on the act of study, suggesting Sihtola’s dedication to learning and intellectual pursuits.

Technique & Style

Ollila employs fine graphite strokes and cross‑hatching to model the folds of the coat and the texture of the couch, creating subtle gradations of tone. Though executed in a medium more typical of drawing, the work reflects Post‑Impressionist concerns with form and atmosphere, using simplified lines to convey depth without elaborate detail.

History & Provenance

The portrait was produced in Helsinki during a period when Ollila was active in painting, design, and mural work. After its creation, the drawing entered the national collection and is now part of the Ateneum’s holdings, where it remains accessible for study of early twentieth‑century Finnish portraiture.