Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on cardboard. 1944.
Signature: EKS 44

Endel Kõks’ (1912-1983) paintings from the early 1940s are often painted on plywood, as canvas was very difficult to obtain at the time. However, regardless of the base material, the young artist was very meticulous about painting technology and often marked the date of priming and sometimes the composition on the back of the frames, which is why his paintings from the Estonian period have been preserved in excellent condition.

So is this nude painting, which stands out with its free, modeling style and muted colors. The mood of the painting is rather romantic, which is also emphasized by the flowers on the table and the blue-and-white sheet on which the model lies. We notice wavy brush marks in the long strokes and sometimes even the flow of paint – Kõks has worked here with obvious creative joy and passion.

The work is noted in the catalogue of the exhibition of Endel Kõks’ early work under number 177, page 46 (Tartu State Art Museum, 1969).

Text: Katre Palm, Harry Liivrand