As long as it's a Dürer The Klugkist Collection   21.07. – 10.10.2021

As Long as It’s a Dürer: The Klugkist Collection

170 years ago, Senator Hieronymus Klugkist (1778–1851) bequeathed his extensive art collection to the Kunstverein in Bremen, which he co-founded. To date, the many drawings along with the nearly complete collection of Albrecht Dürer’s graphic reproductions belong to the most famous works in the holdings of Kunsthalle’s Department of Prints and Drawings.

Friedrich Adolf Dreyer, Bildnis Senator Hieronymus Klugkist
Lithographie, 22,9 x 19,5 cm, Kunsthalle Bremen – Der Kunstverein in Bremen, Kupferstichkabinett

The collection’s unique features also include systematically gathered copies of works after Dürer and the so-called Düreriana – artwork pertaining to the person of Albrecht Dürer such as portraits, views of his native city Nuremberg and scenes from the artist’s life. An extensive revision of these holdings has given us new insight into the Klugkist’s bequest. Apparently, Klugkist bequeathed twice as many works to the Kunstverein and (contrary to prior assumptions) collected more than just Albrecht Dürer and Lucas van Leyden. Furthermore, it has become apparent just how great the losses were that the bequest sustained through looting during and after the Second World War and through sales.

To commemorate the anniversary of Hieronymus Klugkist’s death and the 170-year anniversary of the transfer of the artworks to the Kunstverein in Bremen, as well as celebrating the 550th birthday of Albrecht Dürer, this exhibition will provide insight into the dynamic history of the collection and present for the first time the entire spectrum of these unique holdings.

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