I chose this Helene Schjerfbeck’s artwork because I like it and its atmosphere very much. The name of the painting is “Toipilas” which is a convalescent in English, and the convalescent is clearly the little child in the painting. Schjerfbeck painted this in 1888 and this is an oil painting. Helene Schjerfbeck was a Finnish-Swedish painter who lived from 1862 to 1946. She painted a lot of women and children, and the works of art are quite simple and aptly named.

The “Toipilas” is perhaps the most famous of Schjerfbeck’s paintings. It is a very delicate and touching work. Warm colors have been used in the painting, creating a homely atmosphere. The work of art reminds me of grandparents, with whom grandchildren are always welcome. The old books and a rattan chair also remind of grandparents. If I were a small child in a painting, I would be very happy with the warm atmosphere conveyed by the work. I believe the artist has wanted to create empathy for the viewer towards the child.

I am currently a convalescent myself, so I can identify well with the atmosphere of the painting. There is no one but a child in the artwork, but I think he has a safe adult to take care of him. I think the artist gets well conveyed to the viewer that sometimes it is good to take it easy and recover from all the burden. You don’t have to be necessarily sick to take breaks from life.