Pekka Halonen. An ode to Finland

For the first time in France, the Petit Palais invites you to discover the work of Pekka Halonen (1865–1933), a leading star from the golden age of Finnish painting. This special exhibition continues the museum’s journey into the lives of international artists who found their creative spark in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. Much like his friends and fellow painters Albert Edelfelt and Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Halonen came to Paris to perfect his craft. It was here, as a student of Paul Gauguin in 1893, that he found his true calling: to capture the very soul of Finland through its wild landscapes and timeless traditions.

Born into a farming family in the rural region of Northern Savonia, Halonen remained deeply connected to the land throughout his life. He eventually built his own home and studio, Halosenniemi, on the quiet shores of Lake Tuusula. From this peaceful base, he spent years painting the beauty of the changing seasons and the shifting light. He was particularly fascinated by the "symphony of snow," experimenting with its textures and forms until his work bordered on abstraction. By blending his love for his homeland with modern ideas he gathered in Paris—from the influence of Japanese art to the freedom of painting outdoors—Halonen created a unique style that still feels fresh and modern today.