2009 - Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

The exhibition” Carl Gustav Carus. Nature and Ideas”
in the Semperbau
8 The international exchange of knowledge plays an important
role in this. The museums of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen
Dresden are today not only centres of excellence
as regards the work of their art historians and
restorers; they are also forums for international exchange.
The findings of research projects flow into the exhibitions,
even where this is not explicitly thematised. The special
exhibition by the Rüstkammer “Das Prunkkleid des Kurfürsten
Moritz” (The Parade Garment of Elector Moritz)
not only displayed a unique princely costume from the
period when the Kunstkammer was founded but also
presented the findings that resulted from its meticulous
restoration. The Abegg Foundation in Riggisberg, Switzerland,
generously assumed the task of restoring the garment
in its internationally renowned textile workshop as
a donation to the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
Its work sets precedents in every respect. This majestic set
of garments is representative of the fashion period that is
so sumptuously reflected in paintings by Titian, Holbein
the Younger and the Cranachs. Outside Dresden, no such
original costume belonging to a princely collector has
survived from this era of aristocratic fashion.
Combining science and art
A project which – under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Wolfgang
Holler – was preceded by extremely intensive scientific
research and an interdisciplinary colloquium was the
special exhibition entitled “Carl Gustav Carus. Natur und
Idee” (Carl Gustav Carus. Nature and Ideas) which was on
view in Dresden in the summer of 2009 and later in Berlin.
Carl Gustav Carus, “Eichen am Meer.
Insel Vilm” (Oaks by the Sea. The Island of Vilm),
1835, Galerie Neue Meister
The Parade Garment of Elector
Moritz of Saxony (1521 – 1553),
restored at the Abegg Foundation
in Riggisberg, Switzerland
It was a joint exhibition by the Kupferstich-Kabinett and
the Galerie Neue Meister in association with the Alte
Nationalgalerie, Berlin. Carl Gustav Carus (1789 – 1869),
who lived in Dresden from 1814 until his death, was a
personality with universal interests. As a physician, natural
philosopher, natural scientist, writer, painter and draughtsman
he occupied a special position on the spectrum between
art, science and philosophy in the early 19th century.
His extensive works provided numerous starting
points for this multidisciplinary project. The aim of the
exhibition, conference proceedings and catalogue was to
illustrate Carus’s activities in the scientific and medical
spheres and thus to put his artistic work and his many
personal and social relations into context. Around 250
paintings and drawings by Carus himself as well as 50
outstanding paintings, drawings and sculptures by his
contemporaries were on display in the exhibition. The
basis for the artistic section of the exhibition consisted of
the works held by the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen
Dresden, the most important publicly owned collection of
works by the artist. In addition, the exhibition included
scientific illustrations, writings and letters concerning
science, art theory and literature, as well as around 30
objects from the extensive collection of casts and skulls
assembled by this universal genius. Medical implements,
anatomical specimens and natural history items complemented
the exhibition.