Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Wood engraving. 1939.
Signature: proovitrükk. / Richard Kaljo – 1939.

A rare proof print of “Chess players” from 1939, which is coming to auction for the first time, introduces Richard Kaljo in his brilliant technique – woodcut. We are especially familiar with the artist’s later, eponymous linocut from 1957 where the players are Heinrich Loorberg, the director of the Estonian Art Foundation and Richard Kaljo himself.

The moves in that print were being watched by Aleksander Mildeberg as the third character. Unfortunately, it is not known who is behind the chessboard in the 1939 engraving but it is a truly successful piece – just look at the folds on the man’s shirt or the fine pieces! The print will be auctioned from the Richard Kaljo estate.

Text: Mai Levin