Sculptor, Gilder and Restorer Ivan Sojč. His Life and Work since the Start of his Independent Career

Abstract

The paper sheds light on the life and work of the prolific and previously poorly researched sculptor, gilder, and restorer Ivan Sojč (1879−1951). He obtained the necessary sculptural and other knowledge and experiences over the course of many years in various workshops at home and abroad. In 1908 he opened his own workshop in Vitanje, and from 1911 he lived and created in Maribor. In the scope of research, his previous list of 40 known works has been complemented with more than 160 others. Among these wooden church equipment prevails, while free-standing and relief concrete figurative tombstones also present an important part of his oeuvre. In the paper, supported by numerous archival sources and complemented with his descendants’ oral testimonies, Sojč’s work is presented based on stylistic directions, models, iconography, technique and materials, function, and quality. The gilding and painting view of his work and his restoration work are exposed for the first time. Moreover, the paper supplements his biography.