In the history of art, Wäinö Aaltonen is one of the names that keeps being returned to.
The record lists Wäinö Aaltonen as Finnish artist and sculptor (1894–1966).
Wäinö Aaltonen was born at Karinainen in 1894. His recorded nationality is Grand Duchy of Finland. He trained at Turun piirustuskoulu and Wäinö Aaltonen School.
Around the turn of the twentieth century the movements arrived in quick succession, each defining itself against the last.
He worked as painter, sculptor and photographer.
Among his best-known works are Lily and Kun ystävyyssuhteet solmitaan. Looking is a skill, and the artists who last are those who taught their audience how to do it.
Recognition followed: Prince Eugen Medal (1947), Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (1950), Officer of the Legion of Honour and Commander of the Order of St. Olav (1950).
That the work was made in Grand Duchy of Finland shaped it: artistic traditions, academies and the galleries that decide what is seen have never been evenly distributed.
Wäinö Aaltonen died in 1966, aged 72. The work remains, hanging in collections that outlived both the artist and the market that first priced it.
Achievements
- Prince Eugen Medal — 1947
- Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland — 1950
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Commander of the Order of St. Olav — 1950
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity — 1952
- Notable work: Lily
- Notable work: Kun ystävyyssuhteet solmitaan
