The objective of the project is to rescue from oblivion Christian Ackermann, Estonia\u2019s most scandalous and talented sculptor of the baroque era. Ackermann was a master artist who merits attention not only in Estonia, but also in the entire Baltic region: he has tied and continues to tie local Estonian (art) culture to Western Europe through his life and oeuvre. Ackermann, who even during his own lifetime was referred to as \u201cTallinn\u2019s Phidias\u201d, in reference to the ancient Greek sculptor, broke out of the rigid guild system that had endured for centuries. All of northern Estonia\u2019s most beautiful retables, pulpits, memorial coats of arms, crucifixes and other ecclesiastical furnishing elements were made in his workshop in 1680\u20131710.<\/p>\n
The results of the completed research can be found in the project\u2019s web-based platform ackermann.ee, which includes interactive 3D models of Ackermann\u2019s carved sculptures, which provide an excellent opportunity for close inspection and comparison of the sculptures; x-rays made in cooperation with specialists from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, through which we can look into the sculptures and analyse the master\u2019s modes of working; material analyses carried out together with natural scientists from the University of Tartu and the Estonian Environmental Research Centre, which reveal the baroque vividness of colour concealed under later coats of paint; and much more. This knowledge helps to describe historical practices in art and to draw more certain conclusions than was hitherto possible concerning Ackermann\u2019s authorship.<\/p>\n
The project began on the scaffolding in Tallinn\u2019s Cathedral with an analysis of the sculptor\u2019s masterpiece, the retable of the Swedish era royal cathedral, and continued in 2017 with analyses of Ackermann\u2019s works located in churches in Martna, Karuse, Lihula and T\u00fcri, and in Tallinn\u2019s Swedish St. Michael\u2019s Church. The research team will move on to churches in Juuru, J\u00e4rva-Madise, Rapla, Simuna, Vigala and elsewhere in Estonia where works are found that have been ascribed to Ackermann.<\/p>\n
This interdisciplinary research project will culminate in 2020 with a compendious book and exhibition at the Art Museum of Estonia Niguliste Museum and in 2021 pop-up exhibitions in the home churches of Ackermann\u2019s works. In 2021-2022 the analysis of the gathered data and the publication of synthesising academic articles will continue.<\/p>\n