Kajaani's second church was demolished in 1895 and this altarpiece "The Saviour on the Cross", painted by the painter Johan Hedman, was saved. The painting was conserved by the artist Eino Lehtovaara from Kajaani in 1966.

Who was Johan Hedman?

Johan Gustav Hedman studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, where he specialised in church art. He painted several important altarpieces, which can be seen in many Finnish churches. He also worked as a teacher at the Vaasa Lyceum and the Technical College. Hedman's work on church art in Lapland has left a significant mark on Finnish art history.