The project Rode Altarpiece in Close-up is an extensive three-year research and conservation project (2013–2016) of the retable of the high altar of St. Nicholas’ Church, which was completed in the workshop of the Lübeck master Hermen Rode. Rode’s altar is one of the most impressive and best preserved examples of late medieval Hanseatic art in the whole of Europe.
The project stands out for its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to research. In addition to the study and conservation of the winged altarpiece, another objective of the project was to bring together the specialised scientific resources of various technical fields of research. Within the framework of the Rode project, an interdisciplinary group of researchers from the sciences and the humanities worked closely together. The project was internationally praised for the promotion of study results and for attracting the general public’s attention. Collaboration involved the Estonian Academy of Arts, Conservation Centre Kanut, Estonian Environmental Research Centre, Arheovisioon / University of Southampton, Chair of Analytical Chemistry of the University of Tartu, Testing Centre of the University of Tartu, and Tax and Customs Board of the Republic of Estonia.
The new knowledge which has emerged from this research forms the basis for further development in the heritage field in Estonia, Europe and beyond.
The Rode project also received the Nationally Recognised Promoter of Science award in 2015, as well as the Estonian Annual Museum Award in 2016 in the category of scientific events.
The Rode project was coordinated by Dr. Hilkka Hiiop, the working group consisted of Hedi Kard, Merike Kurisoo, Grete Nilp, Kaisa-Piia Pedajas, Villu Plink and Tarmo Saaret, and the expert group included Alar Läänelaid, Hembo Pagi, Riin Rebane, Andres Uueni and Signe Vahur.