Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Gouache on paper. 1929.
Signature: A GRINEF 1929

Most of the works of Aleksander Grinev (1892-1947), who moved to Estonia in 1913, have been lost over time, and so the discovery of each new piece is an important addition to his creative heritage. Grinev, who began working as a lecturer at Pallas in 1920, was invited to Berlin the following year as a designer and illustrator for a publishing house. Upon his return to Estonia, Grinev worked as a freelance artist, actively participated in exhibitions and, thanks to his delicate style, became one of Konstantin Päts’ favorite artists.

In the reviews of the exhibition held at Pallas in 1928, Grinev was praised for his unique and mature virtuosity. In the same year, he had his personal exhibition “Project for a Life” in the then Pallas premises on Karlova Street in Tartu. Thus, when completing this painting, the artist was full of joy and enthusiasm, which is also expressed in the bright and carefree atmosphere of the spacious landscape.

We notice the influence of Grinev’s legendary turn-of-the-century art group Mir Iskusstva, framing the stark natural view with a deep green tree canopy motif (see also “Landscape with a Lake”, 1932. Tartu Art Museum). The shot highlights the focal motif – the feather-soft cloud foam. The resulting illusion of depth adds spatiality and volume, proving the effectiveness of watercolor in conveying a fresh and authentic experience of nature.

Text: Katre Palm