The beginning of the 1920's in Latvia was a time when a national identity in art was created and striking creative personalities were developing. Latvian artists, who considered themselves to be the representative of a new era, set an ambitious goal - to create art which was connected to current processes in European art, but which, at the same time, wouldn't lose its national originality. One of the enthusiasts wanting to implement these new aesthetic views in decorative and fine arts, was Romans Suta.
Porcelain Collection of Romans Suta
Holdings of the Museum of Decorative Art and Design currently contain the largest collection in Latvia from the Baltars Porcelain Painting Studio, and this collection is the Museum's "treasure chest". It reflects the original creative achievements of outstanding masters - Sigismunds Vidbergs, Romans Suta, Aleksandra Bļcova, Erasts Šveics, and Lūcija Kuršinska. The heritage of works by Romans Suta is the richest.
Wedding (1928) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
Romans Suta's many variations on the theme of the ancient Latvain wedding are particularly interesting. The large "Wedding" plates are like a hymn to the people's spiritual strength and the beauty of their ancient traditions.
Wedding (1928) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
These compositions are epically monumental, redolent of a sublime peace. In creating them, the artist has often used a large plate form, which is almost flat, without raised sides, which helps to more comprehensively emphasize the significance and solemnity of the event.
The young couple arriving at the feast.
Guests welcome the newlyweds.
Two love birds inside a symbolic wedding ring and a church spire in the background.
Musicians are playing and tables are laid.
Guests greet newlyweds with a traditional folk dance.
Love (1927) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
In the selection of colour, the artist preferred the warm reddish-brown gamma of tones which were characteristic of folk art.
Power of the Land (1927) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
The main themes in the author's porcelain works are motifs from rural life...
Open-air Dance (1926) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
Sailors (1925 - 1928) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
...scenes from everyday life in the city, taverns and ports...
Construction (1925 - 1926) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
...compositions based on constructivism...
Chinese Performance in Latvia (1926) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
...and theatrical subjects.
Demonstratin (1925 - 1928) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
Romans Suta hasn't avoided social and historical themes either in his paintings or in his porcelain works. For example, in the works...
Refugees (1925) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
...he focused on the history of the Latvian people. As interpreted by the author, they are dynamic, sharply defined sketches.
At the Festive Table (1925/1925) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
Each work begins with a sketch.
At the Festive Table (1925 - 1928) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
Eve of the Midsummer Night Festivities (1927) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
Romans Suta was an artist with uncommonly broad interests, a seeker of a new way in painting, theatre decorations and decorative art.
With his characteristic impulsive enthusiasm and impeccable aesthetic taste, Suta aspired to find new ways of expression.
Harvest (1928) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
For the artist the main thing is the closeness of his creative work to the life and spirit of the people, and he expresses this in a contemporary, laconic and clear language.
Riga (1925 - 1928) by Romans SutaMuseum of Decorative Arts and Design
The body of the large vase is divided into rhythmic belts that like an old chronicle tell stories about wars with Crusaders during Livonian times, the foundation of Riga, bustling sailboat trade on the Daugava, Freedom fights, and the reconstruction of Riga. The central painting zone is devoted to tranquil Latvian countryside landscape and daily labour that symbolise the identity of the Latvian people.
This exhibit was made using materials from the catalogue of the exhibition "Riga's Porcelain Art. 1925-1940" published in 2012, Riga, Latvia.
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