Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Mixed media on paper. 1969.
Signature: Gabriel / “Viimne reliikvia” Helve Halla 1969

“The Last Relic,” which premiered at the Kosmos Cinema exactly 55 years ago, is undoubtedly one of the top Estonian films of all time. Based on a story by Eduard Bornhöhe, the film became an instant box office hit and remains popular to this day thanks to its intriguing plot, fast pace, and endlessly quotable dialogue. The film’s hero, Prince Gabriel, was played by Alexander Goloborodko who turns 87 this year, and his beloved Estonian dubbing was done by the clear-voiced Mati Klooren.

Film fans have a great opportunity to add to their collection the original design of Gabriel’s now instantly recognizable costume by costume designer Helve Halla (b. 1939) from 1969 — a white shirt, black pants, long riding boots, a vest with fancy pockets, and the ever-faithful dagger at his belt.

Helve Halla, born in Narva, has designed costumes for several well-known Estonian feature films — including “Toomas Nipernaadi”, “The Master of Kõrboja” and “The Joys of Middle Age” — but is actually a painter by education, having first studied at the Tartu School of Fine Arts and later graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts. In an interview given decades later, Halla said that “The Last Relic” was her most interesting and best work (http://kultuur.elu.ee/ke482_Halla.htm).

Text: Kaspar Allik