Elmar Kits (1913 – 1972)

Elmar Kits, born on April 17, 1913, in Tartu, embarked on his educational journey at a local rural school. Recognizing his potential, his parents later enrolled him in the renowned Hugo Treffner Gymnasium. This foundation set the stage for his subsequent admission to the Pallas Higher Art School. Here, under the mentorship of the eminent Estonian graphic artist, Ado Vabbe, Elmar honed his artistic skills. Post his graduation, he secured a prestigious position at the State Higher Art School of K. Myagi.

Though Elmar’s journey was already noteworthy, it was the post-war period that truly catapulted him to fame. He is acclaimed for his poignant composition, “The execution of workers in Tallinn in 1905”. This artwork is recognized as the most extensive group portrait in Estonian history. The early 1960s saw Elmar exploring diverse forms. He produced a medley of distinctive artworks, including the triptych “Music-Ballet-Fine Art”, the lifelike “Old Men”, and the abstract masterpieces “Trio” and “Youth”.

His unparalleled contributions to art were acknowledged with the honor of ‘People’s Artist of the Estonian SSR’. Today, the Art Museum of Tallinn proudly showcases his creations. Such was his prolificacy that after his passing, his oeuvre formed the core of two posthumous exhibitions in Moscow and Tallinn. For those passionate about Estonian artistry, the Rios Gallery offers a curated collection for sale.