Natalie Mei (1900–1975)

Natalie Mei, born in 1900, hailed from a lineage of seafarers, being the daughter of a military ship captain. Her early years were marked by the influence of her older siblings, Lydia and Christina, both of whom made significant marks in the world of painting and sculpture.

In 1915, Natalie concluded her education at the Tallinn Women’s Gymnasium, which led her to the Petrograd Women’s Polytechnic Institute. Her artistic journey flourished at the School of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts in Petrograd. With the mentorship of the illustrious painter N. Triika in Tallinn, she expanded her horizons further. The year 1919 saw her debut exhibition.

By 1920, Natalie embraced the role of an educator at the Tartu Pedagogical College. Concurrently, she rose to prominence as a watercolorist, showcasing her masterpieces in global cities such as Amsterdam, Riga, Helsinki, and Berlin. Her quest for knowledge led her to the Pallas School in 2021, and she further honed her talents in the renowned art hubs of Western Europe. Subsequently, in 1929, she affiliated herself with the “Estonia” theater in Tallinn.

The subsequent decade saw her imparting knowledge at the Institute of Applied Arts of the Estonian USSR. It was under her tutelage that the eminent artist Eldor Renter shaped his craft. Tragically, Natalie’s illustrious life came to an end in 1965. In a fitting tribute to her legacy, the Rios Art Gallery now facilitates the online sale of her revered paintings.