His creativity developed in line with the general appearance of local art and the trends of the time. The art lovers and critics here accepted Kulkoff. The artist was interested in Europe’s Mediterranean countries and Africa, with works produced from the ingredients of trips occupying an important place among his creations. Kulkoff was captivated by eastern street scenes, a market in North Africa and street scenes, which served as inspiration for the birth of thematic pencil drawings.

While living in Estonia he primarily created landscape paintings, and consistently entered his works in the art exhibitions of the time. His diverse creations, in terms of genre and technique, were characterised by a realistic approach – the artist was skilled at capturing motifs, the colour nuances of weather and mood. Kulkoff also embraced new topics for compositions (Saint Franciscus 1917 and 1934) as well as portraits. Kulkoff left Estonia during the chaos of the war in 1944, and moved to the West.

This spring, Aleksander Kulkoff’s oil painting Portrait of a Lady (1929) will be capturing gazes with its splendour in Haus Gallery, and will surely do so at the Spring Auction set to take place next week as well. The woman depicted in a noble pose is engaging in her beauty, and captivates the viewer with confidence. The complementarity of the colourful red and various purple pastels add additional tone to the lady’s majesty. Simplicity and charm, fashion and elegance are present. It is possible that the model for this portrait was Ella Johanna, wife of lawyer Rudolf Paabo (1889-1942). The work was displayed at the 1929 exhibition in Tallinn under the title of Pr. P. portree.

Kulkoff has been previously represented at the Haus Gallery auction with his work from the 1920s Still Life with Fruits, which found a lucky owner at our 2016 Autumn Auction.

Haus Gallery’s Spring Auction will be taking place on Friday, 27 April at 19.30. The auction exhibition is already open. Auction works can also be viewed in the online catalogue.