Figure 1.- This painting is titled "Eklof Boys on the Veranda of Villa Sjokulla" (1890). I think that means that the boys' last name was Eklof and the Villa Sjokulla was the family home of the Sjokulla family. Perhaps they were neighbors or family friends. The painting depicts three Finnish boys playing again with a model sailing ship. Two of the boys wear sailor suits. The youngest of the three, sporting a red beret, wears knee pants and long black stockings. The older boy, sitting down, also wears a sailor suit but apparently with long trousers.

This painting is titled "Eklof Boys on the Veranda of Villa Sjokulla" (1890). We think that means that the boys' last name was Eklof and the Villa Sjokulla was the family home of the Sjokulla family. A Swedish reader tells us, "This wonderful painting by Albert Edelfelt was done on the terrace of Villa Sjökulla owned by his close friends the Sjökulla family. The house is now being restored. It is situated in Porvoo, Finland." 【Sundqvist】 At the time Eklof executed the painting, Finland was still part of the Russian Empire. The painting depicts three Finnish brothers playing again with a model sailing ship. Two of the boys wear sailor suits. The youngest of the three, sporting a red beret, wears knee pants and long black stockings. The older boy, sitting down, also wears a sailor suit but apparently with long trousers. Both boys wear their sailor suits with striped middies. The third boy (at the left) seems not to be wearing a sailor suit. He is wearing some sort of dark suit with an interesting collar or hood. We can't see his legs so that it is not clear whether he wears knee pants or long trousers. Given the period, either is possible.

Sources

Sundqvist, Ingalill. E-mail message (June 5, 2024).

Created: 12:20 AM 8/26/2004
Last updated: 10:15 AM 6/5/2024