Latvia’s Cultural Canon: Porcelain Painting Workshop "Baltars"
Porcelain Painting Workshop "Baltars" is one of the most outstanding phenomena in the history of Latvian decorative arts, being also a part of the Latvia’s Cultural Canon.
Sketch for decorative plate "Open-air Party" ("Feast Dance") (1928/1939) by Romans SutaRomans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum
The Foundation of Workshop "Baltars"
The workshop "Baltars" was founded in 1924 and existed until 1930, located in Riga. The most productive period of the workshop is considered to be the period from 1925 to 1927, when around 300 unique works were created - mostly decorative plates, vases and china sets.
Sketch for crystal vase "Woman with a Doe" (1930/1939) by Romans SutaRomans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum
The “Baltars” group
The workshop was a result of artist Romans Suta’s resolve to cultivate a creative environment where artists could combine the ethnic tradition with modern art. The other two leading artists at “Baltars” were graphic artist Sigismunds Vidbergs and painter Aleksandra Beļcova.
Sketch for wall panel with festivity motif (1928/1939) by Romans SutaRomans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum
Romans Suta and Workshop "Baltars"
Romans Suta brought to “Baltars” the motifs and themes in which he was interested in easel-painting: country life, the bustle of the big city, theatre and carnival motifs, as well as historical subject matter; he also made many designs that centred on the theme of wedding.
"Baltars" Success
“Baltars”, with its team of young artists, affirmed its position among European equals at the legendary 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, which showcased the latest trends in European art, by fetching two gold and one bronze medals.
Legacy of "Baltars"
The 1920s production of “Baltars” porcelain and faience painting workshop is an outstanding realization of Art Déco in Latvian applied arts. Today the plates and vases of the "Baltars" workshop have become the pride of museums and private collections.
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