Tove Jansson

"Nature morte with white vase" (1943) represents Jansson's lush and fresh wartime still-lifes, which she painted as a counterbalance to the anxiety and depression caused by the war. During the war years, access to artists' materials was limited, friends and acquaintances were sent to the front, and the general uncertainty created disarray. Despite this, Jansson was productive, and to quell the anxiety of war she turned to bright and joyful subjects in her art. The true storyteller's creative vein is clearly discernible in the objects and details found in the still-lifes she painted during this time. These motifs also appealed to the public and Jansson's work sold well. Tove Jansson's artistic breakthrough came specifically during the war years - she held her first solo exhibition in 1943.