Teodors ZALKALNS (known as Teodors Grinbergs until 1930)born on November 30, 1876 in Allazi district (Latvia), died on September 6, 1972 in Riga. Sculptor. Studies at Stiglitz's Central School for Technical Drawing (1893-1899), a graduate of the Classes of Decorative Painting and Etching, a winner of scholarship for studies abroad. Participation in the activities of Latvian artists' union "Rukis". He took up sculpting in Paris, where he attended Rodin's studio under A. Bourdelle.
Zalkalns was highly influenced by Rodin's school and was also interested in Egyptian sculpture. He designed sculptures at C. Faberge's jewelry company in St. Petersburg (1901-1903). Mastering of bronze casting and marble carving in Italy (1907 - 1909), where he also studied Renaissance art. Outstanding is his contribution to monumental and memorial sculpture; he laid the foundations of traditional Latvian sculpture.
The most significant works: monument to R. Blaumanis in Riga (1929), memorials to J. Poruks (1930, Riga Meza Cemetery) and F. Barda (1933, in Umurga); Standing Mother (1915), Seated Mother (1916), portraits, animal figures (Pig, 1937). Participation in the implementation of a monumental propaganda project in Petrograd, and contests for the Brethren Cemetery and Statue of Liberty in Riga. He was also known as a graphic artist, art critic and poet.
Professor, head of the sculpture department at the Latvian Academy of Arts (1944-1958).
References: Teodors Zalkalns / Representative album. Riga, 1943; K. Baumanis. Teodors Zalkalns. Riga, 1966; R. Caupova. Teodor Zalkaln. Moscow, 1990; J. Silins. Latvian Art in 1800-1914, II. Stockholm, 1980; Latvian Fine Arts in 1860-1940. Riga, 1986; Latvian State Academy of Arts / Compiled by I. Burane. Riga., 1989.