Rudolf Koivu (1890-1946)
Rudolf Koivu was Finish illustrator born in St. Petersburg and died in Helsinki. He was a popular painter and illustrator who is best known by illustrations of some of the most popular fairy tales of his time. Many of his works are still in print.
This is an illustration from Hans Christian Andersen's Swineherd;
Here are a few additional interesting facts about Rudolf Koivu:
- Only three years after his death a biennially award for best children's illustrations in Finland was established in his honor. It aims at promotion of best designs. The status of Koivu as a pioneer in the field of illustration in Finland is similar to the status of Howard Pyle in USA.
- Apart from illustration of books for kids he designed numerous greeting cards, especially Christmas themed cards which are very popular among collectors. He was a cartoonist, creating comic books for more than three decades and designer as well.
- Koivu was a very versatile artist who was well known by the speed of his work and influences from Art Nouveau and Japanese woodcuts.
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