October, 2011

There are two interesting special exhibitions at the moment in our city arranged by the Dresden State Art Collection.

The first one is named ‘New Objectivity’ and was opened at the beginning of this month in the Exhibition hall of the Lipsiusbau (Academy of Arts, Brühl’s Terrace). It is a selection of 200 paintings, drawings and sculptures by 80 German artists. Most of the works are from the holdings of the New Masters Picture Gallery or are loans from other renowned museums.

Dresden was an important center of the period ‘New Objectivity’ in the 1920’s. The works are characterized by social criticism, irony and precision.

This special exhibition is open until January 8th, 2012, from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM. The entrance fee is 6 EUR.

Another highlight is the exhibition ‘Heavenly Splendor’ in the Old Masters Picture Gallery in the Zwinger with two Raffael paintings. The first one is the ‘Sixtina Madonna’ which was purchased by the son of the Saxon Elector Augustus the Strong in the 18th and the second one is the ‘Foligno Madonna’ which is a loan from the Vatican Art Collection. The later one was given to Dresden by the Pope Benedict XVI. on the occasion of his visit to Germany at the end of September.

Both paintings were drawn by Raffael in the year 1512 in his atelier and were given to different churches later. Now they are reunited here in Dresden after 500 years!

The ‘Foligno Madonna’ will be returned to the Vatican in January but the ‘Sixtina Madonna’ will remain in the holdings of the Old Masters Picture Gallery and can be furthermore admired in the Zwinger.
Winkler