Networking influencer Albert Edelfelt

31 min

Albert Edelfelt was one of Finland’s first internationally successful artists who used his influence to shape the entire Finnish art scene.

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Description

Albert Edelfelt (1854–1905) was both a talented artist, as well as a key decision-maker behind the scenes of Finnish art life. Throughout his international career, he played a significant role in shaping the Finnish art scene, particularly in the birth of a national art collection.

In this episode, we dive into Edelfelt’s world through his personal letters and hear from experts at the Ateneum Art Museum, curators Anne-Maria Pennonen and Hanne Selkokari. With their guidance, we explore how Edelfelt’s networks, personal relationships, and public standing influenced the valuation of art, the growth of collections, and the construction of the artist’s image.

What kind of power did Edelfelt hold—and how did he use it? How did his personal passions, ambition, and political realities intertwine with his artistic career?

This episode offers a multifaceted view of Edelfelt’s impact—not only as an artist but also as a key figure shaping the direction of the art world.

Images: 

Albert Edelfelt: Parisienne Reading, 1880. Finnish National Gallery Collection / Ateneum Art Museum, Antell collections, H. F. Antell Bequest. Photo: Finnish National Gallery / Hannu Aaltonen

Albert Edelfelt: The Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, 1887. Finnish National Gallery Collection / Ateneum Art Museum, Antell collections
Photo: Finnish National Gallery / Hannu Pakarinen

Albert Edelfelt's letter to Bertha Edelfelt from Paris 6.–7.2.1890. Archival material.. Finnish National Gallery Collection. Photo: Finnish National Gallery / Ainur Nasretdin