Vinum et panis. The Motifs of Wine and Bread in 16th to 20th Century Art
Location: 3rd floor, B-wing
The meanings of two of the most important Christian and pagan subjects – wine and bread – are revealed in works of applied and fine arts, manuscripts and books, ethnographic items and archaeological finds, as well as in historical photos.
In cooperation with several Estonian museums, the Consistory of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church and its congregations, we have compiled a versatile display on the different meanings of wine and bread.
“In Estonian art museums, the historical food culture in general, or more specifically wine and bread, has not been treated separately so far,” said one of the authors of the idea, Ulrike Plath, Ph.D in history, in explaining the choice of the subject matter. “The issue of the opportunity and lack of opportunity to partake in the abundance of the world has been dealt with in various forms of art. Wine and bread – vinum et panis – are powerful symbols, evident in different layers of culture.”
The historical eating and drinking culture, and related beliefs and stories are relayed to us through the displayed paintings, engravings, sculptures, applied art, ethnographic objects, books and photos. Individually and combined, these reflect either the pagan or the Christian world. Thus, the exhibition can be roughly divided into two parts – the sacred and the profane.
“When you look at the display, you will definitely be surprised by all these items that can be found here in Estonia, and about the sheer number of works of art that can be created on food culture, or interpreted solely on the basis of just the wine and bread motif,” says the curator Tiina-Mall Kreem, Ph.D. in art history. “For the audience, it should be interesting to view ‘different’ kinds of items side-by-side with masterful works of art,” Kreem adds.
The exhibition is supplemented by a wonderfully illustrated catalogue, which was published with the help of the Society of the Friends of the Art Museum of Estonia.
Curator: Tiina-Mall Kreem
