France Stele Institute of Art History

The Institute is the central scientific research institution for art history in Slovenia and conducts research into fine arts and architecture from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century, including study, publishing and commenting on archival sources for their historiography and interpretation.

History

Originally founded in 1972 as the Section of Art History at the Institute of History, this institution was renamed in 1975 as the France Stele Institute of Art History after its first head, the leading Slovene art historian of the time and academician Dr. France Stele (1886-1972). He was pioneer of Slovene art heritage protection and leading conservator of monuments that has set his doctrine of protection under influence of Vienna Shool of Art History, Alois Riegl and his mentor Max Dvořák.

Programme

Special studies are dedicated to the art of the Baroque period and the 19th century, and to the work of architect Jože Plečnik. The results of the researches also contribute to the preservation of artistic monuments, which represent essential components of Slovene national identity. Special attention is paid to exceptional individuals such as Jože Plečnik, Tomaž Hren and Francesco Robba.

Library and publications

The Institute's library includes some 15,000 works relating to art history. Information on recent acquisitions is accessible through the COBISS computer system, and older publications are catalogued in alphabetical files. The Institute has topographic and personal card files of Slovene art monuments and artists, and a collection of photographs and slides. These are constantly being expanded with new information and research findings. Research results are published as scientific papers in the Institute's own journal and other periodicals and in monographs, with emphasis laid on Baroque sculpture and painting. The central scientific publication of the Institute is the annual Acta Historiae Artis Slovenica. Current reviews of publications, exhibitions, interviews with art historians and artists is published in quarterly Art Chronicle Bulletin that was launched in 2003.

Colaboration

The Institute collaborates with native and foreign experts as well as with galleries, museums, heritage conservation organisations and art history institutes, both in Slovenia and abroad (Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Hungary).

In collaboration with SAUR Allgemeines Künstlerlexikon (AKL) until year 2007 Institute of Art History collected a database of 3688 artists that were active in Slovenia throughout history until early 20th century. It is also a backbone for bibliographic and biographic encyclopaedia of artists working in Slovenia in the past.

Progam and research

Program group led by Barbara Murovec PhD has focus on research about Slovene artistic identity in Europe. Current topics of research deal with Art Topography of Slovenia, Valvasor Collection of Prints, Noble Maecenas and their role in sacral art from 16th to 19th century, etc... France Stele Institute of Art History organises also 6 day Summer School focused on insights into field work methods of art topography.

Award

In memory of France Stele every year since 1990, award for cultural heritage conservation achievements is given by Slovene Conservation Society to meritorious art historians conservators and dedicated owners of the monuments.

External links

France Stele Institute of Art History

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