Joann Saarniit (1909-1984): “Birches” 1977 Original

Joann Saarniit (1909-1984) was a renowned painter and graphic artist, born in Russia. He passed away in 1984 in Toronto. Saarniit began his artistic journey in 1925 at the State Art Industrial School, graduating in 1932 with a specialization in decorative painting. In 1944, he left for Finland and later moved to Canada in 1948. He worked in Toronto as a department head in an advertising firm and ran his own painting and applied arts studio. Saarniit is known for his idealized depictions of Estonian history in his figure compositions. This landscape painting, titled “Birches” from 1977, captivates with its play of colors. It depicts early spring, the awakening of leaves on birches, and the melting of snow, all of which symbolize the birth of new life and evoke positive emotions. The painting is oil on masonite and measures 61 x 32 cm. Saarniit’s signature can be found on the bottom left, and on the back, it is labeled as Joann Saarniit “Birches” 1977 original. Saarniit’s works are held in private collections in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Estonia.