Elin Danielson-Gambogi

Elin Cleopatra Danielson-Gambogi (1861–1919) boldly followed her own path, living a bohemian life. The international artist was the first Finn to have works exhibited at the Venice Biennale in 1899. Danielson-Gambogi was a skilled draughtswoman and user of colour, a perceptive portraitist, and a sensitive observer of light and mood.

Danielson-Gambogi broke the norms of her time, both in everyday life and in art. She travelled, worked abroad, smoked, cut her hair short, and continued her career as an artist after marrying, also supporting her husband.

The exhibition presents the artist’s entire career and her best-known works. The featured works include Mother (1893) and Self-Portrait (1900). The exhibition features works not previously shown in Finland, as well as works that were last exhibited during the artist’s lifetime. The exhibition features almost 200 works in total, most of which come from private collections in Finland and Italy.

The exhibition is curated by Anne-Maria Pennonen (guest curator), PhD, and Petra Lehtoruusu, curator at the Ateneum.