Sergei Wlasov
KUNINKAANPORTTI AT SUOMENLINNA.
Sign. 1909. Oil on canvas 70x105 cm.
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The King’s Gate at the southernmost island of Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) is the main symbol of the fortress. The gate was built during the years 1753-54 at the place where King Adolf Fredrik stepped ashore to inspect the constructions. The gate is flanked by four stone tablets with descriptions in Swedish. These are rendered in the magnificent frame built for the painting by the artist himself. The most famous quote is the very last sentence and it is by the designer of the fortress, Augustin Ehrensvärd. It has been seen as his testament to Finland: Progeny, stand here on your own foundation, and do not rely on foreign help.
“Here laid King Fredrik the first stone in the year of 1748”
“And here laid King Gustav the last stone in the year” (empty, never happened)
“Sveaborg, which touches the sea on one side and the shore on the other, gives the wise control both on sea and on land”
“From desolate lands, these Wolf Islands have been transformed into a Sveaborg. Progeny, stand here on your own foundation, and do not rely on foreign help”