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Andrew Lambirth

Wednesday, 30th January 2008

A Decade of Discovery
Esoterick Collection, 39a Canonbury Square, London, N1, until 6 April

Room 4 is devoted to Morandi, and this display alone makes a visit to the Estorick a must. Apart from a loaned oil from the Morandi Museum in Bologna, the works are in black and white, consisting of etchings and drawings. These may at first glance seem undramatic and unrewarding, but look more closely to discover the richness lurking in even the most minimal of pencil drawings. Morandi’s control of line is phenomenal, and his ability to summon forth a landscape or still-life from an arrangement of crosshatching is unparalleled. ‘Savena Landscape’ (1929) remains my favourite.

Upstairs again for the artist I find most appealing in this whole impressive collection: Zoran Music (1909–2005). I love the gentle lyricism and muted palette of his ‘Horses and Landscape’ (1951), ‘Black Mountain’ (1952) and ‘Corsican Motif’ (1966). Here, too, is Campigli with a wall to himself: curious imagery, much to do with women on display. And finally, in Room 6, Marino Marini — I liked his bronze wall sculpture ‘Quadriga’ — and lots more Sironi. For me, a little Sironi goes a long way. Some artists suffer from being shown in bulk. I enjoyed the Estorick Modiglianis almost more than his big recent solo show at the RA. But this is a room of strong flavours, with Renato Guttuso and Emilio Greco as well. It’s quite a range. We’re fortunate indeed to have this remarkable collection on public view in London.