Kuvakirja (the Picture Book)

The picture book is one of Schjerfbeck's most successful double figure compositions. Based on Sisters of 1913 (Ahtela 392), Schjerfbeck has portrayed her two models, Martta and Katri Mäkinen, sharing an intimate moment over a book. Schjerfbeck also produced a second version of the work the same year (Ahtela 393) as well as a further reprise in 1945 (Ahtela 984) in which the heads become more stylised and ethereal. Choosing the original version for her reinterpretation in lithography, however, Schjerfbeck has separated the two heads, retaining their subtle interplay but simplifying the spatial relationship between the sisters to adapt the composition to her new medium. A timeless image of spontaniety and innocence, The picture book is one of Schjerfbeck's most beautiful depictions of childhood. This impression is from the second edition of the lithograph, published in an edition of fifty.