Joseph Alanen - The Birth of Iron

Joseph Alanen (1885–1920) was a Finnish painter, graphic artist, and illustrator. He was part of the early 20th-century Finnish National Romantic movement, which sought to create a distinct Finnish identity through art, literature, and music. Alanen studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in Helsinki and later at the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki. He was known for his landscapes, portraits, and illustrations, and his work often featured Finnish folklore and mythology. Unfortunately, Alanen died at a young age of 35 due to tuberculosis, but his legacy has continued to influence Finnish art and culture. Today, his works can be found in several major art museums in Finland, including the Ateneum Art Museum and the Turku Art Museum.