Ilmarinen ploughing the Viper-field, Sketch for the cupola frescos of the Finnish Pavilion in Paris
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Akseli Valdemar Gallen-Kallela's Ilmarinen ploughing the Viper-field, Sketch for the cupola frescos of the Finnish Pavilion in Paris into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
Akseli Valdemar Gallen-Kallela’s Ilmarinen Ploughing the Viper-field is a breathtaking preparatory sketch for the fresco adorning the Finnish Pavilion at the 1900 Paris Exposition. The painting captures a pivotal scene from the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, where the mythical blacksmith Ilmarinen battles a serpent-ridden field—an allegory for perseverance and struggle. Gallen-Kallela’s bold, expressive brushstrokes and rich earthy tones evoke primal energy, blending symbolism with Art Nouveau’s flowing forms. The mythological depth and nationalistic fervor place it squarely within the Finnish Golden Age of Art, celebrating cultural identity amid the country’s push for independence. Notably, the Paris Pavilion frescoes became iconic symbols of Finland’s artistic defiance against Russian rule, cementing Gallen-Kallela’s status as Scandinavia’s answer to European Symbolists like Gustav Klimt.
For interiors, this artwork’s raw dynamism suits spaces craving narrative grandeur—ideal above a fireplace mantel or as a focal point in a study. Its muted ochres and deep greens harmonize with wooden furniture or Scandinavian minimalism, while symbolic motifs resonate in eclectic or myth-inspired decor. Choose a medium-to-large framed print (40x60cm or larger) to honor its fresco origins; pair with wrought-iron accents or organic textures (stone, linen) to echo its rugged theme. In offices, it sparks creativity—hang opposite sleek modern furniture for contrast, or alongside Finnish designers like Alvar Aalto for cohesion. Indirect, warm lighting enhances its archaic glow without overwhelming smaller rooms. Avoid cluttering nearby walls; let its heroic struggle command attention.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
