Evald Okas (1915 - 2011) - photo 1

Evald Okas

Evald Okas (Russian: Эвальд Карлович Окас) was an esteemed Estonian painter, celebrated for his profound contribution to art, particularly through his captivating portraits of nudes. Born in Tallinn in 1915, Okas embarked on his artistic journey at the State Art School, where the tumultuous era of World War II and the subsequent Soviet invasion of Estonia deeply influenced his path. These events led him to join the Soviet army and eventually become part of the artistic collectives organized in the Soviet rear in Yaroslavl, Russia, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of significant figures such as Aino Bach and Richard Sagrits.

Throughout his career, Okas displayed a remarkable versatility, dabbling in socialist realism during his early years, particularly noted in his work alongside Elmar Kits and Sagrits in painting the ceiling of the Estonian National Opera. However, by the late 1950s, he shifted towards working primarily in charcoals, creating ex libris and exploring freer artistic expressions. This period marked a significant evolution in his art, allowing him to exhibit across the Soviet Republics and internationally, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a profound depth and sensitivity.

Notably, Okas's work took a lyrical turn during his time on Kihnu Island, where he painted numerous portraits of fishermen and islanders, reflecting a more picturesque and liberated brushwork. These works are celebrated for their naturalistic portrayal of everyday life, imbued with a sense of warmth and intimacy that characterizes Okas's approach to his subjects.

Evald Okas's legacy extends beyond his own contributions to include the artistic endeavors of his son, Jüri Okas, an architect, installation artist, and printmaker, ensuring the continuation of the Okas family's impact on the art world. His works remain a significant part of Estonia's cultural heritage, offering insight into the country's historical and social narrative through the lens of one of its most talented artists​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, the exploration of Evald Okas's oeuvre offers a unique window into the evolution of Estonian art through the 20th century. To stay updated on sales and auction events featuring Okas's work, signing up for updates is highly recommended. This subscription ensures access to the latest information on opportunities to acquire pieces by this remarkable artist, further enriching the appreciation of Estonia's rich artistic legacy.

Date and place of birt:28 november 1915, Tallinn, Russian Empire
Date and place of death:30 april 2011, Tallinn, Estonia
Nationality:Estonia, USSR, Russian Empire
Period of activity: XX, XXI century
Specialization:Educator, Graphic artist, Painter
Genre:Genre art, Landscape painting, Portrait
Art style:Realism, Socialist realism

Creators Estonia

Michel Zittov (1469 - 1525)
Michel Zittov
1469 - 1525
Kristjan Raud (1865 - 1943)
Kristjan Raud
1865 - 1943
Yulo Il'mar Iokhannesovich Sooster (1924 - 1970)
Yulo Il'mar Iokhannesovich Sooster
1924 - 1970
Ferdinand Theodor Hoppe (1848 - 1890)
Ferdinand Theodor Hoppe
1848 - 1890
Lepo Yagovich Mikko (1911 - 1978)
Lepo Yagovich Mikko
1911 - 1978
Reyn Yuryevich Mets (1942 - 2011)
Reyn Yuryevich Mets
1942 - 2011
Eduard von Gebhardt (1838 - 1925)
Eduard von Gebhardt
1838 - 1925
Alexander Schwabe (1824 - 1872)
Alexander Schwabe
1824 - 1872
Mikhail Ivanovich Lebedev (1811 - 1837)
Mikhail Ivanovich Lebedev
1811 - 1837
Woldemar Hau (1816 - 1895)
Woldemar Hau
1816 - 1895
Eduard Wiiralt (Viiralt) (1898 - 1954)
Eduard Wiiralt (Viiralt)
1898 - 1954
Kapiton Stepanovich Pavlov (1792 - 1842)
Kapiton Stepanovich Pavlov
1792 - 1842
Paul Raud (1865 - 1930)
Paul Raud
1865 - 1930
Oskar Georg Adolf Hoffmann (1851 - 1912)
Oskar Georg Adolf Hoffmann
1851 - 1912
Johann Heinrich Wedekind (1674 - 1736)
Johann Heinrich Wedekind
1674 - 1736
Karl von Kügelgen (1772 - 1832)
Karl von Kügelgen
1772 - 1832

Creators Realism

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen (1850 - 1921)
Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen
1850 - 1921
Konstantin Apollonovich Savitsky (1844 - 1905)
Konstantin Apollonovich Savitsky
1844 - 1905
William Simpson (1823 - 1899)
William Simpson
1823 - 1899
Nikolay Ivanovich Sadyukov (1940)
Nikolay Ivanovich Sadyukov
1940
Adolf von Menzel (1815 - 1905)
Adolf von Menzel
1815 - 1905
Guy Bourdin (1928 - 1991)
Guy Bourdin
1928 - 1991
Balthasar Beschey (1708 - 1776)
Balthasar Beschey
1708 - 1776
Boris Fedorovich Domashnikov (1924 - 2003)
Boris Fedorovich Domashnikov
1924 - 2003
Marina Vladimirovna Denisenko (1923 - 2016)
Marina Vladimirovna Denisenko
1923 - 2016
Karl Reinhold (1820 - 1887)
Karl Reinhold
1820 - 1887
Nikolay Mikhaylovich Alekseev (1813 - 1880)
Nikolay Mikhaylovich Alekseev
1813 - 1880
Egisto Ferroni (1835 - 1912)
Egisto Ferroni
1835 - 1912
Anton Alexander von Werner (1843 - 1915)
Anton Alexander von Werner
1843 - 1915
Elisabeth-Emile Lemire (1807 - 1868)
Elisabeth-Emile Lemire
1807 - 1868
Gerard Bouttats (1630 - 1668)
Gerard Bouttats
1630 - 1668
Ludwig von Löfftz (1845 - 1910)
Ludwig von Löfftz
1845 - 1910