Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on masonite.
Signature: Eric Pehap / Viljandi raekoda Eric Pehap

Erich Pehap (1912-1981), originally from Viljandi, worked in his hometown during World War II, more precisely from 1942 to 1943. While living there, he depicted, in addition to the romantic view of the city from the lake, one of its most important landmarks and a symbol of Estonian functionalist architecture – the Town Hall, completed in 1931. Pehap also created a graphic sheet of the same view in 1942, which is why it can be assumed that the present painting also dates from the same period.

The cityscape, set in early spring, has an effective perspective, allowing the building to dominate as if on a stage, bordered on both sides by scenery, or trees with spreading branches. The tiny pair of walkers forming the staffage enlivens the motif, also adding an intriguing narrative to the work – perhaps these figures with modern hats and walking sticks are officials of the city government itself? The strong use of light and shadow, however, enhances the sense of space.

Text: Harry Liivrand