Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Fireclay, glazed ceramics. 1950.

One of Estonia’s leading sculptors, Anton Starkopf (1889-1966) created works over several decades in which decorative values and a personal style are in equal balance. As the director of the Pallas sculpture studio from the autumn of 1919 onwards, several famous future sculptors grew up under his guidance, among them Ferdi Sannamees.

With his work, Starkopf was also a modern follower of the Paris art deco trends of the 1920s and 1930s. The tender “Thinker” is his intimate-format nude figure, modeled after the graceful ballerina Viive. With its slightly archaic form, the artist conveys the eternity of philosophical moments of contemplation and reminds us of the importance of taking time for ourselves.

Text: Harry Liivrand