Self-Portrait 1947

This is William Lönnberg's "Self-Portrait", of unknown date, currently held at the SMK. The painting captures Lönnberg’s austere gaze, framed by round glasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Born in Finland, Lönnberg lived through a tumultuous period marked by Finnish nationalism, Russian imperialism, and ultimately, Finland’s independence. His art existed within a broader cultural struggle to define Finnish identity, often overshadowed by larger political forces. This self-portrait, rendered in muted tones, invites us to consider the artist's interiority. We might ask, what does it mean to represent oneself during a time of national and personal upheaval? Does the somber palette reflect a personal sense of melancholia, or perhaps a deeper commentary on the state of his nation? Lönnberg’s self-representation prompts us to consider the layers of identity, both personal and cultural, that shape an individual's perception of self.