This richly illustrated exhibition catalogue presents four Finnish women artists from the Ateneum Art Museum, Finnish National Gallerys collection: Helene Schjerfbeck, Sigrid Schauman, Ellen Thesleff and Elga Sesemann.

It highlights their pioneering role in Finnish art in the early decades of the 20th century and delves into the role of the modern woman in the middle of the social, political and cultural changes of the era. The articles show how it became possible for women in Finland to build independent careers as artists.