Zprávy památkové péče 2018, 78(2):99-103 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2018.2.02

Heritage monuments and care: Rudolf Eitelberger von Edelberg

Pavel Šopák

Filozofická fakulta Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci

Rudolf Eitelberger von Edelberg had a specific relationship with the issue of heritage care as we understand this concept today. This relationship corresponds to the time when he was forming his opinion about heritage properties, more precisely the 1840-60's, when the foundations of art history and related heritage care as a special discipline were emerging. He did not live to see its creation at the end of the 19th century - he died in 1885 but was still associated with the history of heritage care (through Max Dvořák). Eitelberger honored historicism in art and in heritage care (restorational purism); his progressive importance lies in his precise descriptions of buildings, which corresponds to a strict historicism in architecture and applied art. In his view, heritage properties are a source of knowledge for contemporary art. Eitelberger was present at the beginning of the Alterthumsverein Association in Vienna (1848) and at the formation of the Central Committee for Research and Conservation of Building Heritage. The magazine of the Central Committee gave him a welcome opportunity to publish his material contributions on medieval monuments, which influenced later generations of art historians (the Vienna schools). He did not see the Central Committee as an office, but rather as a state institution that supports artistic and historical research.

Keywords: Rudolf Eitelberger, Vienna School of Arts, history of heritage care, Central Committee for Research and Conservation of Building Monuments

Published: June 1, 2018  Show citation