For centuries, Italy has belonged among the most popular destinations for art journeys. In Estonian art, Italy reminds us of Julie Wilhelmine Hagen-Schwarz, Johann Köler, August Weizenberg, Ants Laikmaa and Konrad Mägi. They enjoyed their heydays, best inspiration and top emotional state while working in the country.
Mild climate, picturesque scenery and classical civilization were the magnets attracting artists from Estonia and elsewhere. Italy was the meeting point of the past and eternity, its spirit reached the far borders of Europe. First, the abundant signs of civilization amazed those coming from the North, but before long they found their inspiration electrified by the area of Campagna and Naples. Italy was a contact zone, where the lives of people coming from different historical and geographical backgrounds met. The foreign element helped to understand oneself and gave a deeper meaning to homeland.

Photo: Stanislav Stepaško