Mugasto, Hando (1907 – 1937). Chapel of the monastery Petseri. (1937)

Color engraving on a tree, a paper

24,6 x 18,5 cm

Lower left on the plate – Mugasto 37

The most prominent graphic artist and book designer, one of the creators of Estonian wood graphics

The artist’s real work is one of the most expressive. The main artistic means of expression on this sheet is paint. The sounding chord of black, red and white is a clear decorative effect, as the paint obeys the general influence of the schedule. Bright red roofs, dark wooden structures and black silhouettes of monks contrast with the chapel’s sparkling white surfaces. Light is of great importance. In the work there is generalization, laconism, a guiding, vertical rhythm controls upward.

The work was reproduced in the book by I. Solomykova “Hando Mugasto”.

A student of E. Viiralt and A. Vabbe at the “Pallas” Art School; also became a teacher afterwards (1935 – 1937). His first works (linocuts) of the early period were of cubism and impressionist style. Later he gained recognition for xylographs, book-plates, posters, still life’s. Mugasto was awarded the “Grand Prix” of the Paris World Fair in 1937. Exhibitions in Tartu (1925, 1930), Cologne and Copenhagen (1930), Moscow (1935), Riga and Kaunas (1937), Koshitse (1933), Warsaw (1936 – prize and diploma), Chicago (1936 and 1937