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Featuring unique pieces such as Raphael's "Sixtine Madonna," Giorgione's "Sleeping Venus," and Titian's "Tribute Money," this catalog showcases the Old Masters Collection of the Dresden Picture-Gallery, one of the most important art collections in the world. The array provides a valuable overview of the old masters' works, capturing the gallery building itself, which was designed by Gottfried Semper and acts as an architectural enhancement to the great paintings. Including works acquired by August the Strong and his son in the 18th century, this study also spotlights acquisitions that date back to the 16th century.

Der Museumsführer stellt 140 Meisterwerke vor, die berühmtesten Gemälde ebenso wie eine ganze Anzahl hervorragender, weniger häufig reproduzierter Bilder. Fachkundige Konservatoren führen den Galeriebesucher in die Sammlungsbereiche und Schulen ein. The “Gemäldegalerie Alter Meister” is among the most important art collections in the world, it possesses a vast number of art historical masterpieces. The collection is extremely rich in paintings from the Italian Renaissance and the Baroque periods, including such as Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna,” Giorgione’s “Sleeping Venus” and Titian’s “Tribute Money.” Seventeenth century Dutch and Flemish paintings are a further highlight of the collection, including paintings by Rubens, van Dyck, Vermeer and Rembrandt. Outstanding works by Spanish, French and German artists complement the rare assets of the museum.

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.

Set against the backdrop of 17th-century Poland, the narrative explores Augustus II's expansion of the Dresden art collection, marking a golden era for the city. Housed in the Zwinger Palace, the collection features masterpieces from renowned artists like Mantegna, Titian, and Velazquez. Following damage from flooding, a selection of 50 significant works was showcased at the Royal Academy of Arts in 2003, including Bernardo Bellotto's stunning depictions of Dresden. Accompanying essays delve into the collection's history and the architectural splendor of Dresden.