Johannes Takanen

Johannes Takanen (1849-1885) was a Finnish sculptor whose work made an important contribution to Finnish art. Discover his fascinating sculptures in our carefully selected collection . Busts, nudes and many other pieces are sure to captivate you.

Johannes Takanen Biography

• Born December 8, 1849 in Virolahti, Finland.
• In 1869 he enrolled in the Drawing School of the Finnish Art Society in Helsinki.
• In 1875, he moved to Copenhagen and studied sculpture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.
• In 1877, he moved to Rome and was influenced by Italian Renaissance art.
• He died in Rome on September 30, 1885 (aged 35).

Representative works

• Andromeda (1878)
• "Aino Gazing at the Sea" (1876)
• "Rebekka"
• "Rebecca at the Well"

Takanen's style and achievements

Takanen's work is influenced by neoclassicism and romanticism, but is also characterized by its own unique sensitivity and emotional expression. He has created many works that delve deeply into human emotions and the inner world, using mythology, the Bible, literature, and other subjects as their subject matter .

His masterpiece, "Andromeda," beautifully expresses the fear and tension felt by Princess Andromeda, who appears in Greek mythology , when she is chained to a rock and is about to be attacked by a sea monster. "Aino Gazing at the Sea," based on Aino, a character in the Finnish epic poem "Kalevala," depicts her sadness and resignation in a quiet but powerful way.

Takanen played an important role in the Finnish sculpture world, and his works are held in many museums, including the Finnish National Gallery. Despite his short life , he left a significant mark on the history of Finnish art with his talent and sensibility .