Masterpieces From Dresden

In 1697, Augustus II of Poland (later Frederick-Augustus I, Elector of Saxony) enlarged the collections established by his predecessors and in doing so, inaugurated the most brilliant era in the history of Dresden. Besides Italian Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, the collection, now housed in the magnificent Zwinger Palace, is comprised of a large number of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings, and outstanding works by Spanish, French and German painters. banks. The Zwinger Palace was badly affected by water rushing through its vaults and storerooms, threatening its priceless art collections. All the works from the ground floors of the palace were carried to safety and a selection of 50 of the most important masterpieces are being shown at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2003. These include works by Mantegna, Titian, Poussin, Watteau, Durer, Cranach, Velazquez and Murillo. The exhibition opens with a group of Bernardo Bellotto's views of Dresden, which reveal Augustus' magnificent princely city in all its glory. famous works. Essays trace the history of the collection as well as the history of one of Europe's most spectacular, architectural capitals.

Many of the exhibited works are among Europe's major paintings from the Renaissance to the end of the 18th century. The beginnings of the Gemäldegalerie can be traced back to the Saxon electors' Kunstkammer, founded in 1560. Through extensive purchases, August III was able to make it into a unique collection. The inventory of Italian Renaissance paintings is exceptional, including Raphal's "Sistine Madonna," Giorgione's "Sleeping Venus" and Titian's "The Tribute Money." Dutch and Flemish painting of the 17th century, by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Ruben and van Dyck, are another focus of the collection. Spanish, French and German paintings are also among the museum's art treasures.

The Old Masters Collection of the Dresden Picture-Gallery is one of the most important art collections in the world, featuring unique masterworks, such as Raphael's "Sixtine Madonna", Giorgione's "Sleeping Venus" and Titian's "Tribute Money". It provides one of the most important overviews of the works of the old masters, or as Louis Aragon remarked "the reflection of mankind". The gallery building near the "Zwinger", designed by Gottfried Semper, acts as an architectural enhancement to the great paintings. Most of works were acquired by August the Strong and his son in the 18th century, and include pieces that date back to the 16th century.