Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on masonite. 1951.
Signature: Kristjan Teder 1951

Kristjan Teder’s love for plants began in childhood. In painting, his passion for botany was expressed in synergistic paintings that glorified the natural richness of colors. In the mid-1930s, his handwriting became more airy and light and it was no coincidence that the artist became known for his brilliant colorism.

That is why he also managed to participate in the famous exhibition of six artists at the Art Hall in 1939, alongside Adamson-Eric, Aleksander Vardi, Jaan Grünberg, Karl Pärsimäe and Kaarel Liimand. Lilacs were one of the artist’s favorites. Despite the complex art politics of the late 1940s and early 1950s, he continues to depict his beloved motif and finds in it a kind of refuge, confirming that nature never leaves you.

It does not change regardless of political order, modern winds or anything else. Thus, he places pure white flower clusters in the foreground, as if emphasizing the purity of nature, while in the background, branches in deep purple tones express determination. Simplicity, in which lies the most sincere beauty.

Text: Katre Palm