Karl Morgenstern: A Scholar’s Collection

Johann Karl Simon Morgenstern (1770–1852) was a professor at the University of Tartu after its reopening in 1802. He specialised in classical philology, aesthetics, rhetoric and art history. He was the founder of the library and art museum of the University.

He was also an art collector and bequeathed his collection to the University. This exhibition showcases some of the prints and engraved gems from the collection, highlighting the main themes of the collection and the wide-ranging interests of a scholar influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment. Particular prominence is given to glyptic art. Morgenstern’s interest in engraved gems arose partly from his teaching work at the University and partly from his enthusiasm for ancient art.

The exhibition has been organised in collaboration with the University of Tartu Art Museum and Library.