Eero Järnefelt was an official portrait painter of the newly independent Finland but also known for his landscapes. Particularly his paintings of Koli Hill in Karelia are loved by Finnish people.

Eero Järnefelt’s wife Saimi Järnefelt was actress at the Finnish Theatre in Helsinki but gave up her carreer after finding difficult to combine family life with acting.

Eero Järnefelt’s sister Aino married master compser Jean Sibelius. Eero as Jean Sibelius’ brother-in-law was always very welcome to nearby Ainola, where you can see some of his paintings. Järnefelt’s paintings can be seen at local Järvenpää Art Museum as well as in Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki.

His home Suviranta was built in 1901 and became the focal point of communal festivities and events in the area.

Photos: EJA, Finna / Museovirasto