Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on cardboard. 1967.
Signature: Nigul Espe 1967

The river view, which is part of the late work of Nigul Espe (1907-1970) who was educated at Pallas, most likely depicts the Emajõgi river, the banks of which had often served as a source of inspiration for the artist, who had settled in Tartu after finishing school. The painting, which bears Palladian features, emphasizes color and the poeticization of a modest motif.

This is because in a light mist, a summer day leaves an eternal, unchanging impression. However, the boats in the foreground testify that a person is still somewhere nearby and it is not surprising that Espe carries this hint into the painting. After all, Espe himself was the life of the party around whom the local cultural people gathered in his café Ko-Ko-Ko on Küütri Street in Tartu.

Text: Harry Liivrand