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His first canvases are of historical compositions which will lead him successively towards pleinairism, a movement which supports the study of light and the observation of nature in the open air.
Despite his academic training, Edelfelt has always been sensitive to the innovative trends of the artistic milieu of the capital.
«The most Parisian of Finns and the most Finnish of Parisians» lived in Paris from 1874 to 1889, before returning to his native land. developing the rabies vaccine with a mysterious vial in his hand.The painting will be accepted by the Salon and critically acclaimed.
His friendship with Pasteur and his portraits of Parisian life led him to frequent social and intellectual circles in the capital. This notoriety will attract him the princely orders of the Russian im- perial family, for Tsar Nicolas II and for the children of Alexander III.
He paints elegant women in their public and private spheres. Thus, Aino Ackté, famous Finnish diva becomes one of his favo- rite muses. In his studio on the Monceau plain and in the privacy of wealthy Parisian residences, he immortalizes scenes of family life.
Best Friends III Berta and Carpi 1883 ©Finnish National Gallery - Hannu Pakarinen