Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 1981.
Signature: KÕKS 81 / Rue de Monceau. Paris. olja, 27×35 cm. 1981 Endel Kõks

There is something almost mythological in Endel Kõks’ (1912-1983) travel images that synthesize photorealism and impressionism – something that looks beyond the tourist stamps and penetrates into its heart, into the everyday lives of the people living there. In 1975, he visited Paris and its elegant Monceau area, one of the most stylish and expensive streets of the Third Empire, where embassies and museums are located.

But Kõks is not interested in clichés here but rather observes the city from the perspective of a Parisian woman standing in line at a fruit stand on the street. No chic surroundings, just everyday life, made happier by the sunshine and pyramids of fruit. Kõks depicts the scene with brisk, spontaneous brush strokes, conveying the excitement of the traders and the thoughts going on in the minds of those standing in line, whether to choose juicy grapes from the stand or mouth-watering tangerines instead.

The painting will be auctioned from the Endel Kõks estate.

Text: Harry Liivrand, Katre Palm