Hesse Exhibit in Oregon

There will be a catalog issued:

Catalogue


The publication accompanying Portland’s Hesse exhibition will have an illustrated essay on the family history for which the author will have access to the private archives. Photographs of the Hesse residences will provide a context for the illustrations and entries of over 200 works of art. The Holbein Madonna and two paintings by Cranach in the Hesse collection will be addressed in an essay by a leading scholar. The exhibition and its catalog will provide a unique introduction to an aspect of German history and art which has never before been presented abroad.

I have never seen this painting.  If the painting is that great (and I am sure it is) then why doesn't the German government just buy it for the populace at large to enjoy anytime they see fit.  

some more in the exhibit:

and (Martyn might find this particularly interesting) the Winterhalter portrait of Anna of Hesse (discussed in another thread)

There will be a catalog issued:
Catalogue
The publication accompanying Portland’s Hesse exhibition will have an illustrated essay on the family history for which the author will have access to the private archives. Photographs of the Hesse residences will provide a context for the illustrations and entries of over 200 works of art. The Holbein Madonna and two paintings by Cranach in the Hesse collection will be addressed in an essay by a leading scholar. The exhibition and its catalog will provide a unique introduction to an aspect of German history and art which has never before been presented abroad.

Thanks for this update, Ella. I'm glad to read some more details about the catalogue, which is as close to the exhibition as I will be able to get. Particularly interesting to me is the mention of "photographs of the Hesse residences."

Oh our carriage...

Well, 120 Million Euro is much money and within Germany you wouldn't find an organisation which is as rich as Getty's...that might be the reason for our governmanet not to buy it.
Furthermore it would be absurd...it has to remain in Germany

Well if I had the money I would buy it and cut a deal with the German Governemnt-Six months a year on public display in Germany and six months a year on public display in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. USA.

TampaBay

Hi All,

What treasures, I'd love to go to this exhibit.  The Madonna is lovely, I love Holbein.

Can anyone tell me the relationship of Anna of Hesse to Alix?  Was she Alix's grandmother?  

Also, is the Stuck painting by Franz Von Stuck, the symbolist?  Wasn't Von Stuck one of Hitler's favorite painters?  

Best,

Sarah

Anna of Hesse is Alix' aunt.  Anna is Louis' sister.  

Hi All,

Also, is the Stuck painting by Franz Von Stuck, the symbolist?

This wonderful painting of Ernst Ludwig is by Franz von Stuck, painted in 1907. Ernst Ludwig admired his work, especially as he writes in his memoirs "because of the lovely deep bright colours, and each year came pictures with new deep thoughts..." The Grand Duke enjoyed conversations with the painter, and attended some of his evening gatherings of music, around the time that this portrait was made.

Stuck died in 1928 so at least if Hitler was a fan he was just admiring works from the past as opposed to Stuck being an artistic Leni Riefenstahl (sp)

Hi All,

Thank you for the answer to my questions.  

I read about Hitler's liking of Von Stuck in The Psychopathic God (noted here as well: http://www.holocaust-history.org/questions/von-stuck-franz.shtml)

I didn't mean to say that Von Stuck was any less of an artist because Hitler liked his work, any more than Wagner's work should be devalued for this reason.   Both artists are quite talented in my opinion.

Best,

Sarah

Hello all,

I was thrilled to find this engaging discussion on the upcoming "Hesse: A Princely German Collection" exhibition at the Portland Art Museum beginning 10/29/05. As it so happens, I work for the Museum in the public relations department and we're very busy promoting this blockbuster event. I would be happy to answer most any questions you might have of the upcoming exhibition. As well versed, enthusiastic followers of the family and their history you are just the kind of people who can help spread the word about this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition - and the sort who will find a special connection to these incredible objects. This will be the only time these increbible artworks will be on display under one roof, and the Portland Art Museum is their only destination. So, again, feel free to ask away, spread the word, and I'll try and check in frequently to keep up.

best,
-jeremy

I'm just sitting here wondering why MY parents didn't make a silver toilet seat part of MY dowry......

Hello Jeremy, welcome to the forum  . How wonderful it must be for you to have access to these exhibits. It would be lovely to hear of your experiences of seeing these items first-hand (particularly for those os us who are miles away from Oregon!)

Do you have any photographs apart from the lovely ones already posted, which you could please share with us?

I hope I'm not too far away from the topic with this remark.

Hans Holbein is one of my favorite western painters.
Did you know that the following painting made a strong impression on Dostoievsky? When he saw it he is said to have had an epileptic attack.