Valerian Loik
(1904 - 1986)
Port. 1960s
Oil, canvas. 38 x 44.5 cm (framed)
price 6 200
Valerian Loik’s view of the harbour tries to convey the dreamlike atmosphere of the harbour. Forms are not too clear and concrete, but gently fade and blend. The shapes of the boats and the masts of the sailing boats merge to form something like a colourful bouquet. This impression is heightened by the coloured flags attached to the sailboat, which, in keeping with the composition of the painting, are placed on the surface of the painting to enliven the overall impression, but also have an adventurous effect, suggesting the active use of the sailboat. The proliferation of such intimate harbour motifs in Soviet-era Estonian art also spoke of the continuing vitality of Estonian maritime culture, even during the Soviet era, when there were still many small harbours and their use was still relatively active, although decline was not far off.