Mark Schuler: Frans Eemil Sillanpaa

Artist: Mark Schuler
1951 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 8.25 by 10.75 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 17 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

Born of simple country parents, Frans Eemil Sillanpaa grew up amid the Finnish forests that later provided the setting for his literary works. His first efforts at writing were short stories and magazine articles. His insight and distinctive style quickly established his critical reputation as an author. Soon, a publisher approached the budding writer to try his hand at a novel. According to his own story, Sillanpaa spent the next years alternating between toiling over his novel and explaining to the eager publisher why it was not yet finished. Finally, it was published in 1916 and titled Life and Sun. Like his early short stories, the book was quite successful and established Sillanpaa as a major author of his day. Following his first novel, his reputation spread throughout the Scandinavian countries as he turned out novel after novel, edging his way into the hearts of his countrymen. However, it was Meek Heritage, a novel describing the Finnish Civil War with both sympathy and realism that earned him a Nobel Prize in 1939. This book, published in Finland in 1919, appeared on bookshelves while the Finnish Civil War was tearing his country apart. With its timely subject matter and the author's well-regarded writing skill, it was a tremendous success. In his works, Sillanpaa's country origins often surface and his love of the simple, peasant life is quite evident. The novels and stories he wrote ring clear with a strong nationalism and he remains one of Finland's favorite authors.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Finland Europa stamp featured in the 1980 Portraits of Greatness collection.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06573

US$ Price: $950.00

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