Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Etching on paper. 1975.
Signature: “Kaksikportree”, ofort / M. Mutsu 75

One of the greatest masters of the etching technique in Estonian art, the legendary graphic artist Marju Mutsu (1941-1980), was able to aptly elevate the white paper surface into a narrative part of the picture space. This gave rise to exceptionally fascinating stories that, with their simultaneous tenderness and strength, carried timeless messages. Friends and colleagues often played an important role in her figural compositions.

Posing for “Double portrait” are her good friends Malle Leis and Villu Jõgeva whose Mustamäe apartment they often gathered in to talk about art. This work was created as a token of gratitude for those evenings where, in addition to art talks, Jõgeva presented them with his culinary achievements.

The work exudes lyricism, mystery and psychological characterization of the married couple at the same time. The faces, bodies and hands of the woman, captured with special lightness and the same precision, have something of Dürerian, Renaissance line culture and finesse in them. The figurative relationships within the picture seek both a subjective point of view as well as a realistic documentary quality.

“Double portrait” is reproduced in the artist’s monograph “Marju Mutsu” on page 157 (Tallinn 2009) and the work is also part of the collection of the Art Museum of Estonia.

Text: Harry Liivrand, Katre Palm