Exhibition “Tailed Companions: Animal Sculptures by Teodors Zaļkalns”

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Teodors Zaļkalns, one of the most outstanding founders of professional Latvian sculpture, an exhibition, “Tailed Companions: Animal Sculptures by Teodors Zaļkalns,” is on view in the exhibition hall of Turaida Museum Reserve—the manor steward’s new residence. Created through close collaboration between Turaida Museum Reserve and the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMM), the exhibition offers a glimpse of the master’s notable depictions of animals. It features nine animal sculptures by the artist from the LNMM collection. Highlighting this important aspect of Zaļkalns’s work, the exhibition includes pieces such as “Cat,” “Lamb,” “Hare,” and “Little Mouse,” as well as several variations on his best-known animal subject: the pig. The atmosphere of the exhibition is complemented by the song “Pelēkas kā snaudā” from the Audio, Video and Digital Collection of the Latvian National Museum of Writing and Music. The music was composed by Alfrēds Kalniņš, and the lyrics were written by sculptor Teodors Zaļkalns. The piece bears witness to the friendship between these two great figures of Latvian culture.

Teodors Zaļkalns (1876–1972) was a founder of professional Latvian sculpture and helped shape the tradition of stone sculpture, influencing generations of sculptors. He was born in Allaži Parish, at “Zaļais kalns” (“Green Hill”). He studied in Riga and St Petersburg, as well as in Paris with the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin. In the 1920s, Zaļkalns became one of the creators of the visual identity of the new Latvian state, taking part in major monument design competitions and creating works that continue to shape Latvia’s cultural landscape. His sculptures also remain in Sigulda Municipality and Turaida: the memorial plaque to the Rose of Turaida, and monuments to Atis Kronvalds, Krišjānis Barons and Alfrēds Kalniņš, all of which attest to the artist’s close connection with this place.