Severin Falkman

Severin Falkman spent his mornings sketching animals in Helsinki’s market square, but his afternoons belonged to grand historical scenes. He’d lug a folding stool and a jar of coffee to public squares, scribbling details of real life, the way sunlight hit a market cart in Rome or how a Swedish king’s cloak draped over his horse. That habit shows up in his paintings: they feel alive, like you’re standing right there.

If you like stories in paint, tap Juhlakulkue Roomassa, it’s the next best thing to eavesdropping on a Renaissance street scene.