Villem Ormisson (1892–1941)

Villem Ormisson was one of the most outstanding colourists in the history of Estonian art, according to experts. Unfortunately only a very small portion of his body of creative work has survived and for this reason, every painting of his is an event. Ormisson came from Viljandi and as a rule, he worked in the so called classical genres, depicting landscapes, still-lifes or scenes of working class districts, and sometimes also painting portraits. A bright and optimistic overall colouring and several mysterious details, the meaning of which is impossible to unequivocally determine, are characteristic of his works. Ormisson was extremely receptive to impulses from nature. As a passionate fisherman and hunter, he was very familiar with nature. Unfortunately, his journey through life was cut short since political tensions led him to commit suicide.