Eduard Philipp Körberi keskaegsete hauaplaatide mudelid

Eduard Philipp Körber's models of medieval grave slabs

Abstract

Eduard Philipp Körber (1770–1850) was a pastor in Tartu county. He
is known to posterity as an avid local historian. In this article, we look
at a collection of models Körber made of grave slabs in the churches
of Estonia and Latvia. The 18 models that have survived are carved
out of stone and about the size of postcards, with information as well
as a signature and a date on the back. The models were later owned
by the learned societies in Tallinn and Tartu. Nowadays they are in
the Estonian History Museum and the Estonian National Museum.
Until World War II the collection was used by Estonian, Latvian,
and German researchers. Some of the grave slabs depicted had been
destroyed or were inaccessible. Photographs of the models were used
as illustrations for books. One model was even used as an example
for restoring the original grave slab. The models are carved with
great care and detail, but researchers drew attention to discrepancies
between originals and models, calling for caution. Nevertheless, the
collection remained in use, with each publication adding to its credibility.
The material of the models was described by Körber as slate
(Schiefer). However, the information in his correspondence about the
location where he acquired the stone as well as close inspection of the
models led us to conclude that it is graptolitic argillite. We reenacted
gathering pieces of it from the shores of the Jägala river in Harju
county and experimented with using different tools to carve it. Graptolitic
argillite proved to be easy to acquire and model, which could be
the reason why Körber used this unconventional material.