Sculpture Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
The sculpture composition “Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde” is one of the most famous monuments in Tartu. Tourists love to take photographs with the writers, who are depicted sitting on a bench near the building of a former printing house, now the Wilde Café, as a memento of their walk around the area. The monument is a fantasy on the theme of a meeting between two literary figures sharing the surname Wilde, which could very well have taken place at the end of the 19th century.
The History of the “Two Wildes” Monument
Tiiu Kirsipuu is the artist behind the sculpture composition popularly known as “The Two Wildes”. She created the images of the writers based on existing photographs. According to the monument’s creator, the fictional meeting takes place in 1890, a time when, hypothetically, two prominent literary figures from different countries could have met and discussed creative matters.
The Wilde writers’ monument in Tartu was unveiled in 1999. A few years later, Estonian cultural figures came up with the idea of gifting a replica of the monument to Ireland. The unveiling of the sculpture composition in Oscar Wilde’s homeland took place on May 1, 2004, to mark Estonia’s entry into the European Union. In Ireland, the monument to the two “Wildes” stands in the city of Galway.
What Do the Famous Writers Have in Common?
Eduard Vilde (1865–1933) is a well-known writer, recognized as a classic of Estonian literature. Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was born in Dublin, Ireland, and is a globally renowned philosopher, writer, and poet. The similarity in the surnames of both literary figures inspired the creation of this unique monument.
How to Find the Monument?
The monument to Eduard Vilde and Oscar Wilde in Tartu is located in the Old Town at the intersection of Ülikooli and Vallikraavi streets. A landmark to guide visitors is the building of a former printing house, constructed from red brick. Close to this site stands another important historical monument – a memorial to the military leader Barclay de Tolly.
Location on the Map
Other Points of Interest
- Another well-recognized symbol of Tartu is the Father and Son sculpture. Nearby, one can take an excellent photo that’s sure to astonish friends on Instagram.
- A viewing platform offering excellent views is located on the roof of the Cathedral of Tartu, which today houses the University of Tartu Museum.
- Another photogenic spot in the city is the Von Bock House, whose façade serves as a constant art exhibition.