The exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the conservation department of the Art Museum of Estonia introduces the speciality primarily through works of art created in the 20th century. The works of artists from the last century have been on the museum conservators’ desks every day since the department was established.
Nikolai Triik (1884–1940). Lennuk, Kalevipoeg’s Ship. 1910. Tempera, pastel, graphite pencil, silver paint and bronze paint on paper. Conservator and mounting: Margit Pajupuu. Art Museum of Estonia
Ants Laikmaa (1866–1942). Little Alma. 1900. Pastel on paper. Conservator and mounting: Sirje Alter; frame: Sirje Säär. Art Museum of Estonia
Kristjan Raud (1865–1943). Inspiration. 1928–1938. Pencil, Indian ink and gouache on paper. Conservator and mounting: Sirje Alter. Art Museum of Estonia
Ado Vabbe (1892–1961). Abstraction. 1916. Oil on paper. Conservator: Margit Pajupuu; mounting: Allan Talu. Art Museum of Estonia
Konrad Mägi (1878–1925). Venice. 1922‒1923. Oil on canvas. Conservator and mounting: Alar Nurkse. Art Museum of Estonia
Adamson-Eric (1902–1968). Portrait of F. E. Sillanpää. 1936. Oil on canvas. Conservator and mounting: Alar Nurkse; frame: Sirje Säär. Art Museum of Estonia
Urmas Viik (1961). W-R / Albums. 1998. Artist’s technique, intaglio and letterpress on handmade paper. Conservator: Marit Must; mounting: Allan Talu. Art Museum of Estonia
Osvald Timmas (1913–2005). Wire-mesh Fence. 1967. Watercolour and mixed media on paper. Conservator: Margit Pajupuu; mounting: Allan Talu. Art Museum of Estonia
Maire Männik (1922–2003). Prometheus. 1955. Reinforced plaster and casting. Conservators: Isabel Aaso-Zahradnikova, Aleš Zahradnik. Art Museum of Estonia
Eduard Wiiralt (1898–1954). Berber Girl with a Camel. 1940. Soft-ground etching on paper. Conservator: Kärt Lend; mounting: Uve Untera. Art Museum of Estonia
Modern sculptures and paintings pose complex challenges for conservators due to the fact that newer materials, such as 20th century paper, have not stood the test of time as well as those used by masters from centuries ago. The exhibition invites visitors to examine the structures, materials, techniques and life cycle of works of art.
In our daily rush, we tend to forget that nothing lasts forever, but conservators have the skills and tools to extend the life of art and give art lovers opportunities to enjoy works of art longer.
Curators: Isabel Aaso, Kärt Lend, Margit Pajupuu and Kersti Koll Exhibition design: Isabel Aaso-Zahradnikova Graphic design: Inga Heamägi
