We are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Johann Köler, the first professional artist of Estonian origin!

The exhibition at Viljandi Museum offers as comprehensive an overview as possible of Johann Köler’s known paintings. His priceless original works are held in museums and private collections around the world. The only way to bring them together in one place is through reproductions – shown at full size and without the distraction of heavy gilded frames. Simply the paintings themselves, as the artist would have seen them on the canvas.

Köler’s works are presented in chronological order, from his first examination piece to the portrait he was working on at the time of his death. This allows visitors to follow the development of his artistic style and the different periods of his career.

The exhibition texts also tell the story of Köler’s long and eventful life. Few people experience and achieve as much in a lifetime. His journey, spanning almost the entire 19th century, can also be seen as a reflection of the development of the Estonian people: from the forests and wetlands and modest rural homes towards the wider world, education and culture; towards growing self-awareness, maturity and a place among the best.

The exhibition features 100 full-size reproductions of Köler’s works.