Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Woodcut. 1939.
Signature: P. Liivak särjed / puugr. K. t.

Paul Liivak (1900-1942), originally from Järva County, is primarily known as a master of wood engravings with a unique cutting technique, whose works include both successful portraits and genre scenes as well as landscapes, with a sensitive approach to form.

Liivak’s linework is rich and displays a romantic sense of life. This work is one of his best-known, and has also been reproduced under the name “Fish and yellow water lilies”. In the collection of the Art Museum of Estonia, the work is called “Roosärjed”. A good child has many names and reasons – the work allows us to talk about both aquatic plants and fish at the same time and was also chosen as the cover image for his 1967 album of reproductions.

In the print, the artist vividly conveys a translucent aquatic environment, in which lush, powerful plants float and silver-scaled roaches go about their business.

Text: Vappu Thurlow, Katre Palm