Eesti kunsti oksjonid
Endel Kõks “Kohvikus”
Kevadoksjon 2025
Oil on plywood. 1940.
Signature: E KS 40.
| Measurements | 30 x 28 cm |
|---|---|
| Starting price | 4 800 € |
| Number of bids | 34 |
| Hammer price | 11 400 € |
From the opening day of the Tallinn Autumn Exhibition in 1939, Endel Kõks (1912-1983), Lepo Mikko and Elmar Kits became known as the “Golden Trio of Tartu” through the words of Hanno Kompus. They were warmly received by critics both at that exhibition and at the Pallas student exhibition that opened in Tartu at the same time, and the door to the top of the art world was open.
In 1940, Kõks completed several pieces on the theme of cafés, including “At the Café”, which has become one of his signature paintings today. The Fauvist style of painting that characterizes these pieces was modern in the circumstances of that time and characteristic of young art. The scene, probably associated with Tartu, still represents the world of modernity belonging to the old Europe, with a traditional small round table and light chairs, cakes and cocktail glasses.
In keeping with the era, the two women sitting at the table wear stylish headgear and noble fur coats. The mirror behind the women adds significant value to the painting, giving the viewer an idea of the visitors in the rest of the room and their buzz. It is very possible that this is the Werner Café of the time, which was one of the favorite gathering places for local art lovers.
Text: Katre Palm