For the first time, this exhibition offers visitors the chance to see the museum’s collection of European and Russian sculptures. The exhibits are grouped by provenance: copies of classical sculptures from Estonian manor houses, works by renowned 19th-century masters, which once decorated the homes of affluent families, and Socialist Realist sculptures from the Soviet period, including portraits of famous people and figures reflecting the ideology of the time. The exhibits are displayed in the context of the periods in which they were made so that visitors can better judge the mastery and meaning of these works. Alongside three-dimensional artworks, the display includes engravings, drawings and historical photos depicting sculptures, which help explain the significance of sculpture copies, replicas and reproductions for art education and art collecting. Many of the works are being shown for the first time at the museum.
A part of the exhibition features a space where visitors can see conservators at work, cleaning and restoring sculptures. On Wednesdays 13.00–16.00.
Video
Team
Curators: Maria Väinsar and Anu Allikvee Exhibition design: Mari Kurismaa Graphic design: Külli Kaats Coordinators: Aleksandra Murre and Renita Raudsepp
Unknown artist, after an unknown ancient master. Venus Callipyge. Ca 1840–1890. Marble. Art Museum of Estonia
Unknown bronze foundry, after an unknown ancient master. A Centaur with Cupid. Ca 1850–1876. Bronze. Art Museum of Estonia
Unknown artist, after Giovanni da Bologna (1529–1608). The Rape of the Sabine Women. Before 1876. Porphyry. Art Museum of Estonia
Jean-Louis Grégoire (1840–1890). Competing Loves (Love’s Victory). Ca 1867–1890. Bronze and marble. Art Museum of Estonia
Unknown artist, after Antonio Canova (1757–1822). Kreugas (Fist Fighter). After 1801. Marble. Art Museum of Estonia
Joseph von Kopf (1827–1903), after an unknown ancient master. Zeus of Otricoli. 19th c. Marble. Art Museum of Estonia
Unknown artist, after Bertel Thorvaldsen (1768–1844). Mercurius, Slayer of Argus. After 1822. Marble. Art Museum of Estonia
Edmond Gruet Jr. Foundry (active ca 1891–1904), after Mark Antokolsky (1843–1902). Bust of Ivan the Terrible. Ca 1891–1904. Bronze and stone. Art Museum of Estonia
Félix Chopin cast iron and bronze foundry (active 1805–1901). Ryurik. From the series The Bust Gallery of all Russian Princes, Tsars and Emperors. 1867. Bronze. Art Museum of Estonia
Joseph von Kopf (1827–1903). Bust of Carl Johann von Seidlitz. 1863. Marble. Art Museum of Estonia
Sally von Kügelgen (1860–1928). The Wrestlers. 1881. Charcoal. Art Museum of Estonia
