Dresden Old Masters Picture Gallery reopens
After seven years of reconstruction, the State Art Collections Dresden presents renowned art works and sculptures once again in revamped halls and rooms in the Semper building.
Sleeping Venus
The painting attributed to Venetian Renaissance artist Giorgione (1477 or 1478-1510) is one of the collection's most famous artworks. In time for the museum's reopening, the naked beauty is to be issued as a special postage stamp. For that honor, the "Dresden Venus" was chosen by public vote over the museum's other iconic lady, Raphael's famous "Sistine Madonna."
Girl reading a letter at an open window
While restoring the famous painting by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) Christoph Schlözel and his team made a sensational discovery: Amor, the god of love in the background of the painting, had been painted over by someone else 250 years ago. After that layer was removed, the painting with the "picture within a picture" looked completely different.
The Abduction of Ganymede
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669) painted this dramatic scene: In the shape of an eagle, Zeus abducts Ganymede, described by Homer as a handsome young man. Rembrandt painted him as a bawling, urinating infant. With his depiction, the Dutch artist deliberately violated all the rules of classical historical painting.
Pastel Cabinet
The Dresden Pastel Cabinet is unique, with walls painted in pastels that shine intensely in the light. The eye is drawn to the painting of a young woman carrying a tray: "The Chocolate Girl" by Jean-Etienne Liotard (1702-1789). To many Dresden locals, it's their favorite painting in the collection.
The Dresden Mars
The bronze statuette by Giambologna (1529-1608) is one of the most important treasures of the sculpture collection, now showcased under the same roof as the picture gallery. The small bronze statue of the ancient Roman god of war was originally a personal gift from Giambologna to the Saxon Elector in 1587, and was reacquired for the museum in 2018. It is known as the "Dresden Mars."
Sculpture Collection
Sculptures from antiquity to classicism and the paintings of the Old Masters have been moved closer together in the museum's new set-up. The exhibition intends to highlight the mutual influences of painting and sculpture.
Vestal Virgins
In 1736, three statues of women, the so-called Herculanean Women, were added to the Dresden collection. The statues are a veritable eye-catcher in the new Antiquities Hall.
Picture Gallery reopens
For years, experts removed mold, rotten wood and leaking window frames from the Semper building and restored numerous paintings. Now the people of Dresden and visitors from all over the world can once again look forward to enjoying a wide array of outstanding artworks and sculptures in a beautifully restored building.