The Attack
Edvard Isto · 1899
Why it's great
A young woman in a blue-and-white dress, who represents Finland, is attacked by a huge black eagle that stands for the Russian Empire. She clutches a book of laws. Edvard Isto painted this in 1899 as a protest. It became a strong symbol of Finnish pride and independence.
Where to see it
📍 National Museum of FinlandHelsinki, Finland
Open in Maps ↗Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Edvard Isto was born in northern Finland and became a painter who studied in Helsinki and Paris. He is best known for 'The Attack,' which became a symbol of Finnish resistance. He died in Helsinki in 1905, at the age of 40.
