Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Gouache, watercolor on paper. 1972.
Signature: R. Uutmaa 1972.a. / R. Uutmaa “Tallinna vaade” 1972.a.

Views of Tallinn become more frequent in Richard Uutmaa’s (1905-1977) work, especially in his later period, when the Old Town was being vigorously restored and tidied up, and its popularity among locals also increased. After all, he himself had an Artists’ Union apartment on Vabaduse Square, from which it was convenient to walk directly to both Town Hall Square and Toompea Hill in the upper city.

It was from Toompea, from the Kohtuotsa observation deck, that a breathtakingly sublime view of Uutmaa opened up, both of St. Nicholas Church and the roofs of the surrounding houses. But as a true nature lover, even here, in the historic Old Town, the clouds, which take on the shape of sea waves beating against the stones in the work, attract his main attention.

To achieve the necessary transparency, he mixes gouache and watercolor paints, lays them on the painting with flashing brushstrokes, and for a moment, it seems, he forgets that he is in the city at all! Thus, “View of Tallinn” takes on a meaning of its own, symbolizing the artist’s passion and essence.

Text: Katre Palm