In the summer of 1889 in Keuruu, Akseli Gallen-Kallela painted this proud sprig of wild angelica rising from the surrounding willow herbs and birch saplings. According to the artist, he had always admired the simple beauty and boldness of this majestic plant. The painting is light and fresh, and both its subject matter and form bring to mind the Japanese woodcuts that were so popular in Europe at the time.