Johannes Greenberg 1887-1951 Istuv akt. 1930 - 1931

One of the most outstanding representatives of art deco in the Estonian painting could be considered Johannes Greenberg. In his case it is mentioned that here “is prevailing pure art deco “(Mai Levin). As an example is brought a series of works in museums, depicting a female nude, who is often wearing masks. What makes them and the present “Istuv akt” (“Sitting nude”) so art deco-style? Levin counts: cold shades, smooth and firm forms, mystery. Greenberg conceals the woman, her face has been turned away and the artist is not interested in the possible psychological abysses. In a picturesque manner he is depicting the woman’s back, adds to the upper left corner and to the right edge decorative colour spots and lets the work seem to have a careless attitude towards the everyday life or just enjoying all the pleasures differently from the traditional Estonian attitude towards life.