Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946) was a Finnish painter known for her modernist and symbolist works, as well as her exceptional portraiture. She was born on July 10, 1862, in Helsinki, Grand Duchy of Finland, which was then an autonomous part of the Russian Empire.

Schjerfbeck showed early talent in art and began her studies at the Finnish Art Society’s Drawing School at the age of 11. She continued her education in Paris, where she lived and worked for an extended period. In the French capital, she was exposed to various art movements, including Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, which had a significant impact on her evolving style.

During the early part of her career, Schjerfbeck painted in a naturalistic and academic style, influenced by her training. However, her work gradually shifted towards modernism, incorporating elements of Symbolism and Expressionism. She explored themes of identity, aging, and solitude in her art, often conveying intense emotion through her subjects.

Schjerfbeck’s portraiture is particularly noteworthy. She had a unique ability to capture the psychological depth of her subjects, and her self-portraits, in particular, are powerful reflections of her own introspection and the passage of time.

In the latter part of her career, Schjerfbeck returned to Finland and continued to produce art. Her style evolved further, and she experimented with more abstract and simplified forms. Despite health issues later in life, she remained dedicated to her artistic practice.

Helene Schjerfbeck passed away on January 23, 1946, in Ekenäs (Tammisaari), Finland. Her legacy as a pioneering Finnish modernist painter continues to be celebrated, and her influence on the development of modern art in Finland is widely recognized. The Helene Schjerfbeck Museum in Ekenäs houses a significant collection of her works, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the depth and evolution of her artistic career.