Decorative painting in Riga’s interiors. 16th century – third quarter of the 18th century
In Latvian with English and German summaries
Title in Latvian: Dekoratīvā glezniecība Rīgas interjeros: 16. gadsimts – 18. gadsimta trešais ceturksnis
Vija Strupule
Scientific editor: Elita Grosmane
Copy editor: Māra Ņikitina
Proof-reader: Kristiāna Ābele
Translators of summaries and list of images: Stella Pelše (English), Agnese Bergholde-Volfa (German)
Designer: Rauls Liepiņš (“Al secco”)
Riga: Art Academy of Latvia Institute of Art History; Art History Research Support Foundation, 2023. 408 pp., 226 images.
ISBN 9789934882449
From the 16th to the third quarter of the 18th century, painted finish of various kinds prevailed in Riga’s interiors. A splendid living environment emerged, as simple schemes of painted décor coexisted with lavish ornamental and plot-based compositions in line with European phenomena of artistic styles. The book brings together and thoroughly explores examples of polychrome interiors that have most often survived as uncovered fragments alongside data about them from various sources. The broadest possible information is also provided about the Riga Painters’ Guild and its masters.
The publication is based on Vija Strupule’s dissertation defended at the Art Academy of Latvia in 2016 (academic advisor Dr. Elita Grosmane, reviewers Dr. Ilmārs Dirveiks, Dr. Rūta Kaminska and Ph. D. Krista Kodres).
Art historian, senior restorer in the field of architectural and artistic research, employee of Architectural Investigation Group Ltd and researcher at the Art Academy of Latvia Institute of Art History Dr. Vija Strupule is born in Jūrmala in 1958. Graduated from the Art History Department of the Art Academy of Latvia. Received the doctoral studies scholarship of the European Social Fund. Author of scholarly articles and conference papers in Latvia and abroad. Research interests are focused on the interior polychromy and paintings in Latvia (13th to 20th century) in the international context, as well as architectural research of Latvia’s historical buildings.
Supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation and printed at Jelgavas tipogrāfija.