Under the Linden

Before you stands "Under the Linden," a captivating 1911 painting by Helene Schjerfbeck. This exquisite work, measuring 46 centimeters wide and 62 centimeters high, is part of the Ateneum's collection. The painting portrays a young girl seated amidst a softly rendered garden scene. Schjerfbeck employs a delicate impressionistic style, using a muted palette of pastel tones. The girl's pale lavender dress almost melts into the hazy background of greens and pale yellows, suggesting foliage and perhaps a path. Her skin is painted with subtle washes of pale pink and white, giving her a youthful, ethereal quality. Her reddish-brown hair is pulled back, framing her face. The light is diffuse and gentle, casting no harsh shadows, contributing to the overall serene and dreamy atmosphere. The artist's focus is not on sharp detail, but rather on the gentle form of the girl and the atmospheric quality of the setting, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and peaceful beauty. The indistinct shapes in the background, possibly trees or bushes, and a pale blue-gray object near the bottom left, add to the mystery and charm of this beautiful piece.