Imatra in wintertime

The Imatra rapids were Finland's best-known tourist attraction in the 19th century. Russians in particular came in droves from St Petersburg to wonder at the untamed force of the waters. The "fantastic, terrifying, and beautiful" rapids (in the words of one visitor) became a symbol for wild, primitive, and mythical Finland. Gallen-Kallela created several images of the Imatra in winter. This small "Imatra in Winter" is full of drama and Romantic admiration for natural forces.