The master of miniature mosaic George Wekler and his works from the collection of the State Historical Museum

Abstract

The research focuses on analysing the creative legacy of George Ferdinand Wekler (1800–1861), a renowned master of miniature mosaic in the 19th century. Specifically, the study delves into two of his key works, ‘The Transfiguration’ (1835–1838) and ‘The Agony in the Garden (Prayer in the Garden)’ (1860), which are currently housed in the State Historical Museum collection. The approach taken in this study is comprehensive, taking into account various aspects of the artist’s work. Of particular interest is the period of Wekler’s studies in Italy (1834–1837), during which he created one of his most significant pieces, a mosaic based on a work by Raphael. The final stage of the artist’s career, marked by the creation of a mosaic after a painting by Fedor Bruni, is also examined. The research is based on archival documents from the Russian State Historical Archive (RGIA), the artist’s personal correspondence, and materials from the Imperial Academy of Arts. Previous studies, particularly those by State Hermitage curator L.A. Tarasova and Pavlovsk Palace curator A.M. Kuchumov, are also referenced and supplemented with new information. The significance of this research lies in its contribution of new biographical data about the artist, a clarification of the chronology of his works, and a thorough analysis of Wekler’s technical expertise in miniature mosaic. Through this study, the evolution of the artist’s creative process and his impact on Russian mosaic art can be traced.