Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on masonite. 1950s.
Signature: SAARNIIT / J. SAARNIIT Est.

“How could I be clearer?
The eye sees what it sees.
How could it be bigger?
Create sagging hands.
How would it change the world?
And the mountains answered him.”

Excerpt from Doris Kareva’s poem “Prayer”, 1980

In the work of one of the most important Canadian refugee artists, Joann Saarniit (1909-1984), we often encounter coastal landscapes or hillsides surrounded by groves of trees but such a powerful view of a mountain village is rarely encountered in his portfolio, especially in such emotionally charged colors.

The composition, depicting a landscape with an illusory depth, first impresses with its lively color scheme that synthesizes realism and impressionism. He has masterfully conveyed the movement of the afternoon sun across the mountainous landscape, casting shade over one side of the village and gilding the other with a warm glow.

Saarniit’s approach is plastic and spatial, the impressionism and aesthetic pleasure contained in the work play an important role for the artist. The golden glow became an important signature of the artist throughout his creative path but we rarely see such deep blue and green tones in his paintings. Before us is certainly one of the strongest pieces of Saarniit’s entire oeuvre.

Text: Katre Palm, Harry Liivrand