Current temporary exhibition at Tartu City Museum is “Olev Prints and the lost colours of St John’s Church in Tartu”.
St John’s church in Tartu was built in the second half of the 14th century and stands today as the true masterpiece of Estonian medieval architecture. It collections of more than 1000 hand-made terracotta sculptures is unique in the history of fired clay sculpting in Europe.
Today we have grown used to the sight of the terracotta colour of the St John’s and its figurines. However, the picture we see is a far cry from its original, more colourful appearance. The sculptures and figurines at St John’s were painted, as were the walls of the church, and perhaps even the vaulted archways.
None of the colourful display remains. Some pieces of it were still detectable during the 1950s ansd1960s, when art historian Olev Prints (1915–1996) was engaged in research at St John’s. The display includes his watercolours, drawings and photos depicting wall paintings and terracotta sculptures, which at the time still wore their colourful habits. Some of the terracotta items from St John’s are also exhibited.
The exhibition remains open until 24 September 2017
Curator: Johanna LampDesigner: Kristo KooskoraSupported by: Eesti Kultuurkapital 7 Cultural Endowment of Estonia