Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre, Bazoviška 2, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Republic of Slovenia
Local / Original ID Number
/
Type of Object
Mine, Daily life
Description
Short description
The picture of bigger format is placed into a deep black frame. The miner’s family of five is depicted on the canvas in graphic and collage technique with the use of acrylic paints. A lace model is positioned on top of the picture, yet another identifiable symbol of Idrija. The following caption is written across the entire width of the picture: HOMMAGE A TOUS LES MINERS D′IDRIJA.
Measures
Length 145 cm, height 145 cm.
Materials
Wood, canvas, acrylic paint.
Dating
The end of the 1980s.
Author / Producer
Rudi Skočir
Picture attachments
Original use
Due to the rich technical and cultural heritage of Idrija, the artists have reached for renowned symbols several times, which refer to this tradition and have also depicted them in various ways. By doing this, they have strengthened cultural consciousness on the local as well as on broader area. The picture The Miner's Family is one of the artworks that Rudi Skočir has dedicated to the Idrija Mercury Mine and Idrija City’s 500th anniversary celebration. It has been dedicated to the often neglected miner of Idrija, by depicting him in the forefront. The image of the miner does not only have local, but also universal meaning. The Idrija man, the miner and his wife, the family are a metaphor for the people who live throughout the world. They are a metaphor for hard work, resourcefulness, strength, perseverance and self-confidence, since this is the only way to survive. At the same time, the openness to knowledge, inventions, culture, technical knowledge of the generation of miners is addressed, which was reflected in the exchanging of knowledge and striving for progress. Among other things, it is also about the contract between the physical work in the dark underground depths and the fragile, artistic work of their wives on the bright surface - lace making.
Present use
The picture The Miner’s Family is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the mining collection of CUDHg (the Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre). The picture is located in the administration premises of the Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre. The picture is a part of the rich heritage of academic painter and illustrator Rudi Skočir. The latter is one of the most important artists to manage to capture the spirit of time in their works and closely introduce the symbols of Idrija to a wider audience. His works glorify the tradition of Idrija and decorate internal as well as external surfaces premises at home and around the world.
Original location
Administration premises of the Idrija Mercury Mine.
Present location
Administrative office of Idrija Mercury Heritage Management Centre, Bazoviška 2, 5280 Idrija
STATE OF CONSERVATION
History of conservation:
The picture is well preserved. Additional interventions are not necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible: