Taju, Daughter of the Artist

A young girl with a solemn expression, Taju, daughter of the artist Tyko Sallinen, stares out from the canvas. Her face, rendered with a directness characteristic of Expressionism, is framed by dark hair and a simple, patterned dress. The brushwork here is bold and visible, particularly in the textured background, which seems to vibrate with muted blues and greens. This portrait, painted in 1919, captures a moment of quiet intensity, focusing on Taju's inner world rather than external details. It reflects a style that emphasized emotion and individual feeling, moving away from more traditional representations. The artist's decision to depict his own child with such raw honesty suggests a deeply personal connection and a desire to convey her unique spirit.