Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Mezzotint on paper. 1975.
Signature: Eesti maastik. Metsotinto 39/50 / Kaljo Põllu, 1975

“Oh you, my nest
Oh you, my egg
Oh you my bird”

—Jaan Kross “Love Song”

In the mezzotint series “Estonian landscape” Kaljo Põllu (1934-2010) created more than 30 intaglio prints over the decades. The hazy works depicting fragments of Estonian nature are dominated by a uniform gloom – the same mysterious mythical aura that characterized Põllu’s other works from the 1970s onwards.

The 1975 print, which is part of the series, is simple in motif but profound in message. For centuries, the bird’s nest motif has symbolized new life, home peace and a sense of security for nature people. In Põllu’s vision, however, the nest full of eggs becomes the heart of the whole world – the core of life, protected by the mighty crown of an ancient tree from the wind blowing on the sea. The rocky coast visible in the distance and the sea rebelling against it take on the role of expressing Estonia and its strength. As a subtext of the work, we can therefore find here a message about the importance of passing on a love of nature and traditions to future generations in preserving Estonia.

Text: Katre Palm