Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on cardboard. 1930.
Signature: Kutsar 30

For Eduard Kutsar (1902-1970) who studied at Pallas and lived in Tartu and Elva, it was important to listen to the voice of his own heart and so, he preferred an expressionist approach to the neo-impressionism prevailing at school. The artist’s entire oeuvre is characterized by the emotional capture of the motif, a good example of which is the excellent “Sailboats in Käsmu” completed in 1930.

The scene, which most likely depicts the fishing village of Käsmu on the Northern coast shows powerful sailing ships pulled together. The davits intended for launching a lifeboat or workboat can also be seen at the stern of the ship on the shore. Since these are old sailing ships, it was customary for them to be driven ashore and valuable parts dismantled to build a new one.

Unfortunately, there is no clarity about the names of the ships but it is clear that they only have ballast inside, otherwise it would not have been possible to tow them so close to the rocky shore. Kutsar is just as empathetic towards the foreground rocks as he is towards the background. It is rendered in a much more fluid technique, reminiscent of the traditional Pallas school of painting but this is precisely what helps the dignified ships stand out.

Text: Katre Palm, Harry Liivrand, Urmas Dresen