Warrior In Helmet 1875 - 1880

Helene Schjerfbeck's “Warrior In Helmet” presents a study of masculinity, filtered through the lens of historical dress, but also the artistic conventions of late 19th and early 20th century Europe. The image uses the visual code of the helmet to suggest both a specific historical period, likely drawing on the visual culture of the Renaissance, and also the sitter's profession, or perhaps, their aspiration. The painting was made at a time when traditional notions of masculinity were being both celebrated and challenged across the Western world, and Finland, Schjerfbeck's home country, was itself undergoing rapid social and political change. Understanding Schjerfbeck's personal history, her artistic training, and the prevailing social attitudes toward gender roles in Finland at the time, are crucial for interpreting the picture fully. By researching these factors, one might better understand how the artist’s social context shaped her artistic vision.