The Golden Apple-tree 2021:
Scientific Literature
The anthology Rihards Zariņš. 1869–1939. Ko Latvijas meži šalc winsThe Golden Apple-tree 2021 Award in the category "Scientific Literature."
The publication is a continuous follow-up to the grand exhibition Rihards Zariņš (1869–1939). Ko Latvijas meži šalc, which was on display at the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMMA in the Great Hall from July 4 to October 25, 2020.
Rihards Zariņš (Carl Richard Woldemar Sarring) is one of the most versatile and, at the same time, controversial figures in the art scene of late 19th and early 20th-century Latvia. During this period, the efforts of individual artists to find motivation for establishing a solid foundation for national art provided strong impulses for both the recognition of Latvian cultural heritage and the creation of new inspirations. It was essential for artists to gather as many influences as possible from Western European cultural centers, work intensively and creatively, develop their individual style, and constantly improve their professional skills. Additionally, it was important to uphold and spread the ideas of how vital it was to preserve a connection with the nation and understand its needs, thus developing the national art process in the broadest sense.
It can confidently be said that Rihards Zariņš's creative work across various fields is unique in the context of Latvian culture and has left a significant impact on our understanding of national symbols and their embodiment in wider society and the national historical memory. The Latvian state coat of arms, national currency (notably the silver five-lat coin), postage stamps, Latvju raksti, monumental drawings and graphic works inspired by Latvian nature and mythological images, and the etching cycle Ko Latvijas meži šalc with its distinct national romantic imagery undoubtedly place Zariņš among the leading masters of his time.
To explore and reflect the artist's multifaceted work, the museum prepared the anthology, inviting specialists from several fields as authors. The realization of this project demonstrated the importance of the qualitative and quantitative capacity of the researchers involved in such a large-scale effort. The book includes writings from twelve authors (Kristīne Ducmane, Marita Bērziņa, Edvards Šmits, Andrejs Bogdanovs, Agita Ančupāne, Māra Lāce, Valdis Villerušs, Anita Meinarte, Imants Lancmanis, Gundega Gailīte, Ramona Umblija, Aija Jansone) about different aspects of Rihards Zariņš's creative life.
The anthology was compiled by Ieva Kalnača and Māra Lāce
The book's designer is Mārtiņš Ratniks
English translations by Jānis Frišvalds
Editors Jolanta Treile and Iveta Boiko
The book is available in both Latvian and English, spanning 576 pages, printed by "Jelgavas Tipogrāfija."
The publication was made possible with the support of the Latvian Ministry of Culture.
