Before the Storm

1965, oil on cardboard, 37x50 cm (with frame 53x66x5 cm) /// Jūlijs Viļumanis (1909–1981) was one of the representatives of Latvian painting in the mid-20th century. Landscape, particularly coastal and natural motifs, occupies an important place in his oeuvre, characterised by expressive colour and a free painterly approach. In this painting, the coastal landscape is captured at a moment when the calm expanse of the sea is gradually overtaken by the approaching storm. Dark clouds, changing light and the boat drawn up on the shore form a contrasting, subtly dramatic composition. Loose brushstrokes and the interplay of blue-grey, green and warm earthy tones lend the work a sense of movement and atmospheric tension. /// The artist’s signature is located in the lower right corner of the painting.