Flokkur: Jewelry

The Icelandic artist and goldsmith Finnur Jónsson (1892–1993) made significant contributions to Icelandic art history in the 20th century. He was the first Icelandic artist to exhibit abstract works, both abroad and in Iceland, but he also adopted an expressionistic and narrative style, becoming known for his paintings of Icelandic landscapes and fishermen at sea. He was a leading figure among Icelandic artists, advocating for their rights and better working conditions.

On the occasion of the centennial of the National Gallery of Iceland, Finnur and his wife, Guðný Elísdóttir, donated over 800 of Finnur’s works to the museum. This significant gift included among others silver pieces, as well as tools and wood and metal casting molds for gold and silver smithing. 

Among the silver pieces a pendant in the form of a fisherman rowing a boat and a bracelet featuring the four land spirits of Iceland. 

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Icelandic Goldsmiths’ Association in 2024, the National Gallery of Iceland commissioned the silversmith Óttar Gauti Guðmundsson to reproduce these works as exquisite jewelery, celebrating Icelandic cultural heritage and art history.