The white-covered ferryman is guiding the boat into the distance with firm grip. He is carrying chronicles, symbols of wisdom, or open accounts and gathered experiences. Hugo Simberg was interested in the themes of life and death. The death figures in his works are not scary or grim, but rather familiar and gentle travelling companions for people. They are carrying out their melancholy task within human life. They are present in everyday life, and bring understanding to the last journey.
