Palokäkri, Grand pic noir

Palokäkri, Grand pic noir — Akseli Gallen-Kallela, 1894

One of the rare non-French works on display, the accompanying sign says it was acquired from the (Finnish) artist’s family just a couple years ago. I guess a curator’s job is hard: you have to balance what the public will like vs what you believe has value vs keeping your donors and sponsors happy vs staying true to the museum’s theme and mission.

Not complaining, of course, it’s nice to see a little diversity. And also it’s got a bird, so that’s a bonus!