Eesti kunsti oksjonid
Eduard Wiiralt “Eesti neiu”
Sügisoksjon 2024
Soft varnish, drypoint on paper. 1942.
Signature: Vernis-mou 1942 / Eduard Wiiralt
| Measurements | Plm 32 x 24 cm |
|---|---|
| Starting price | 2 800 € |
| Number of bids | 1 |
| Hammer price | 2 800 € |
Eduard Wiiralt (1892-1954), who returned to Estonia from Paris before World War II, arrived here at a politically turbulent time and was immediately drawn into the administrative issues of the local art scene. Despite the difficult atmosphere, however, Wiiralt continued to actively engage in his work and did not let it distract him.
Thus, he was captivated by the model Ada Sulling whom he met in the spring of 1942, in whose features Wiiralt’s search for the Estonian archetype culminated. Ada’s steadfastness and self-confidence inspired the artist to depict her in various poses. This seemingly modest, yet unwavering strength with which women survived and carried on in the whirlwind of Nordic winds and war, became for Wiiralt a symbol of timeless will to live and strength.
The print is reproduced in Mai Levin’s monograph “Eduard Wiiralt 1898-1954”, on page 257.
Text: Katre Palm