IN-PERSON: Prague – Section A

Abstract

Research project “Christian Ackermann – Tallinn’s Phidias, Arrogant and Talented” (2016-2022) started as an interdisciplinary art historical and conservation study of the oeuvre of a Baroque era sculptor active in the territory of Estonia from the 1680s to 1700s. His works were made for and have nearly exclusively been preserved in ecclesiastical setting. Archival, visual and technical investigations were combined with novel imaging techniques and all information was immediately presented on a custom-made online platform ackermann.ee. In addition to the academic side of the project, special attention was paid to the involvement of the local and wider communities as well as to the presentation of the material in an engaging and sustainable way. In this paper some of the these aspects will be discussed ranging from a scaffolding designed as an artwork in itself and allowing both conservation and visitor access, to the pop-up exhibitions and school programmes in the rural churches reusing the materials of the major exhibitions in Tallinn. Ethical issues arising from the religious nature of the artworks in daily use will also be addressed.