Werner von Hausen – A Forgotten Classic

In autumn 2023, the first retrospective exhibition presenting the art of Werner von Hausen (1870–1951) will open at Villa Gyllenberg. 

The exhibition traces von Hausen's life and work in France, Egypt, Italy, the Netherlands and the Nordic countries. His landscape paintings depict both the nature of the North and the bright colours and brilliant light of the Mediterranean. His interest in the Antiquity is manifested in paintings of ruins and works that reproduce ancient art. In his antimodern and classical art, von Hausen sought eternal truth.

A central theme of the new exhibition is the friendships and networks that von Hausen created with numerous Finnish and foreign artists, such as Émile Bernard, Ivan Aguéli and Bruno Aspelin, as well as the influence of his Norwegian-born wife. Many of his works depict the artist's family or their living environment, and the exhibition also presents comparison works by von Hausen’s friends and the artists who influenced him.

Werner von Hausen built one of the first villas in Kauniainen at the beginning of the 20th century and was also involved in the local artist and writer colony. The exhibition highlights the architecture and interior design of his villa and its studio. The versatile von Hausen also designed furniture and graphic art prints. In addition, he worked as an art teacher for many years in Kauniainen and at the Finnish Society of Crafts and Design.

Villa Gyllenberg

13.9.2023–14.1.2024

Wed, Sat & Sun 12.00-17.00

Admission fee 10/12€, under 18 yrs and over 75 yrs free entry