Erik Johan Löfgren

His first art lessons came from a Norwegian-born drawing teacher named T.J. Legler who, together with his friends, convinced Löfgren's father that he should be sent to Stockholm for further studies.

[1] Two years later, again in need of money, the influential literary critic Fredrik Cygnaeus suggested that he provide illustrations for "Döbeln at Jutas", a section from The Tales of Ensign Stål, a new epic poem by Johan Ludvig Runeberg, but only sketches were completed.

He returned to Finland in 1858 and remained there until 1862, living in Turku at first, then moving to Helsinki, where he became a successful portrait painter and teacher.

In 1864, he completed what is, perhaps, his best known work; Karin Månsdotter with mad King Erik XIV sleeping on her knee.

In addition to Cygnæus and Runeberg, his sitters included Carl Gustaf Estlander [sv], Zachris Topelius and Magnus von Wright.