The
monument to Johann Köler was placed on the town square in 1976, when the 150th
anniversary of the founder of the Estonian national painting was celebrated. The author of
the monument was sculptor Edgar Viies, architect Rein Luup. The sculpture reflects the
dynamic spirit of the time of the national movement and the greatness of the personality
of J. Köler.
J. Köler was born on 8th March 1826 in Suure-Jaani parish, Ivaski village, in the family
of the cottager of Kõõbra farm. He studied at the elementary and district school in
Viljandi and later he studied painting in Cesis. In 1848-1855 J. Köler studied painting
at the Art Academy of St. Petersburg.
In 1857 he went on a study trip to Paris through Germany, Holland and Belgium. In 1858 he
went to Rome, painted and showed his works at exhibitions. In 1861 J.Köler was nominated
the academician of the Art Academy of St Petersburg. In 1862 J.Köler started to work in
the School of Promotion of Arts in St Petersburg, he worked as an art teacher in the royal
family and was appointed the adviser of the Court in 1881.
J. Köler was in close relationship with progressive Estonian educated people
(Fr.R.Kreutzwald, J.Hurt, J.Adamson etc.) and he took part in the activities of the
National Movement, including the action of petitions of the farmers of Viljandi county in
1864.
J. Köler died on 22nd April 1899 in St Petersburg and he was buried on the Suure-Jaani
graveyard.