Ferdinand von Wright was a recluse. His favourite place in the whole world was his childhood home in Haminanlahti on the shores of Lake Kallavesi. Even there, life was sometimes hectic; this was ensured by a brood of fifteen children and a menagerie of pets. Guarding his privacy, Ferdinand decided to build himself a house near his childhood home – but not too near, so he could be assured of peace and quiet when he wanted it.
In this painting, Ferdinand captures a slice of manorial life from
yesteryear. His sister and her sons are spending a hot summer's day under a
canopy together with their pet birds. In the background we see Ferdinand's
house being built – the cabin he optimistically dubbed 'Lugnet' (Peace).
Everything in the painting is seen through 'rose-coloured glasses': the
flower-bed is a sea of pink blooms, the log walls of Ferdinand's cabin are the
same shade, and even the sky is a delicate pink.
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Walter Runeberg : Amor and Bacchus as Children Robert Wilhelm Ekman : Kreeta Haapasalo Playing the Kantele in a Peasant Cottage Ferdinand von Wright : In the Garden of Haminalahti Albert Edelfelt : Women Outside the Church at Ruokolahti Juho Rissanen : The Fortune-Teller 
Hugo Simberg Tyko Konstantin Sallinen : The Fanatics 
