The first monographic publication on the master of Latvian painting and drawing Pēteris Krastiņš (1882–1942). His original oeuvre is close to the manifestations of North European proto-expressionism ushering the spectator into the fragile world of dreams of the early 20th century.
Krastiņš’ little colour studies give a truly peculiar impression. They look very much like coloured drawings, yet it seems that the drawing has no other use as to conduct the grand symphony of colour. He selects narrow motifs which create, upon closer examination, an illusion of spaciousness, evoked by a strong decorative sensibility. And every fragment is brimming with life and vitality, even though the whole is veiled in a deep melancholy.
Jānis Jaunsudrabiņš