Andrus Johani 1906–1941 Mustvee motiiv. 1934

Andrus Johani is regarded next to Eduard Wiiralt and Richard Kaljo the third “great” drawer. Still he is different from the two mentioned persons. When Wiiralt and Kaljo are masters in forwarding the abundance of details and small nuances, then Johani prefers larger surfaces and more free lines. “Mustvee motiiv” shows that the artist found inspiration both from a big Western city and also from a small borough. Here is depicted not a very festive motif, still we can detect from one side ethnographic - artistic interest, from another side visibly warm and empathic attitude. Even though Johani is often characterized as being social – critical, his criticism only emerged from sympathy and understanding. Separate attention should be paid to the powerful line upon handling of the surfaces that is considerably different from the creation of detail – abundant Wiiralt or Kaljo, possessing a story-telling manner of creation.