R. W. Ekman (1808–1873) was one of Finland’s most prominent painters of the 1850s. His best-known works include the wall and ceiling paintings in the chancel of Turku Cathedral.

The word ‘herm’ refers to the Greek god Hermes, who served as the messenger of the gods. In art history, a herm is a sculpture consisting of a pillar ending in a bust or head.

The portrait sculpted by Wäinö Aaltonen can therefore be seen as a symbol of Ekman as a messenger of art. Ekman played an important role in developing the Turku Drawing School into a nationally significant institution for art education.