The Fighting Capercaillies

A hazy Finnish forest clearing, a scene from wild nature, and a composition based on the golden ratio - these are some of the characteristics of one of Finland's most famous paintings. In artistic circles, it was considered somewhat old-fashioned even at the time of its creation. Precise attention to detail, based on the natural and scientific study that underpinned the work of the von Wright brothers, was becoming less popular. But unlike his brothers, Ferdinand liked to inject narration and drama into his paintings of nature. There have been many metaphorical meanings attached to this painting, in times of war as well as peace. The Fighting Capercaillies has enjoyed phenomenal popularity with the Finnish people, and even today it remains probably the most copied work of art in Finland.