The Boys’ Workhouse, Helsinki 1885

Editor: This is "The Boys’ Workhouse, Helsinki," painted by Albert Edelfelt in 1885. Looking at it, I’m immediately struck by the somber mood despite the presence of these children. It makes me wonder about the story behind the scene. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The confined interior is full of quiet, yet very potent symbols. Observe the single window. Notice how it's a beacon, both physically, with its bright light, and symbolically? The potted plant, almost reaching for the sunlight, acts as a signifier of hope, perhaps a suggestion of growth within a rigid structure. And consider the act of mending – it becomes a larger metaphor, does it not? These children, engaged in careful repair, echo the societal attempt to mend them, to make them useful. What do their faces convey to you? Editor: They look...resigned, maybe? Not despairing, exactly, but certainly not joyous. I guess the work looks monotonous and never-ending. Curator: Precisely! Edelfelt has captured an uncomfortable tension: the visual order imposed upon their lives contrasted with the individual spirits hinted at in their expressions and gestures. Their bent heads, focused labor, almost read as prayer. It also reminds one of other social-themed paintings during the realism movement, but using his individual touch. Does that symbol of work perhaps suggest redemption? What purpose did the act of representation carry for Edelfelt, in your view? Editor: I guess I never considered how symbolic an everyday scene could be! Maybe it was a way to bring attention to their circumstances, to create a dialogue. Curator: Yes, and this piece operates on many levels! It's a mirror reflecting societal concerns and, perhaps, Edelfelt’s personal reflection on these young lives. We see how an image can simultaneously carry layers of meaning, depending on context and our interpretation. Editor: That’s so true, thank you. Looking at this piece has really opened my eyes to the deeper stories art can tell.