Feb 26 • 16:58 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Tallinn City Museum is studying rare pictorial tapestries with researchers

Tallinn City Museum, in collaboration with researchers, is undertaking a project to study rare 16th-century pictorial tapestries in its collection.

Tallinn City Museum has initiated a project with researchers from the University of Tartu and the Estonian Academy of Arts to study its collection of rare pictorial tapestries, some of which date back to the 16th century. This project aims to delve deeply into the history and art of these tapestries, which are recognized for their historical significance and artistic value. The museum's collection includes eight wall and seat tapestries commissioned in 1547 from the Netherlands for the Tallinn Town Hall, making them some of the most sought-after artworks at the time of their creation.

According to Kerttu Palginõmm, the project manager and a researcher in textile history at the University of Tartu, the preservation of these tapestries is considered a miracle. In the early 20th century, there were discussions about possibly selling them off to make room for a new school building, but their survival allows current generations to appreciate their historical and artistic significance. The pictorial tapestries depict biblical themes, notably motifs from the story of King Solomon, which adds to their cultural importance and scholarly interest.

Over the coming year, the project will involve a comprehensive investigation of these invaluable tapestries by a team of art historians, historians, and scientists. The goal is to unveil more details about their origins, artistry, and the materials used, contributing to a greater understanding of textile art in Estonia and beyond.

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