Special exhibitionMARCH at the PALACE 2022
THE CONSTANT PRINCE – Joseph Wenzel and his art
Prince Joseph Wenzel I of Liechtenstein (1696-1772) was one of the most significant figures of his time. As an art collector, diplomat and strategist, he left a lasting impact on European history and the Princely House of Liechtenstein. Now, to mark the 250th anniversary of his death, the Princely Collections are dedicating a special exhibition to the Prince at Liechtenstein GARDEN PALACE – with entry free of charge. The exhibition also marks the launch of a new annual exhibition series, MARCH at the PALACE.
Exquisite works of art, letters and documents from the Liechtenstein Collections – many sourced from the private rooms of the Princely family – along with notable works taken on loan – serve to outline the biography of a contemporary figure who, on many levels, stood at the center of the Habsburg monarchy.
Numerous masterpieces commissioned or acquired by Joseph Wenzel, an enthusiastic patron of the arts, have returned to Vienna on loan and can now be viewed again for the first time since being sold back in the 1950s. They include two vedutas by Canaletto from the series comprising his four monumental views of Venice, which reflect the atmosphere and life of the lagoon city in precise and abundant detail. Depictions of the Saxon Königstein Fortress near Dresden, painted by Bernando Bellotto when he was at his height of his artistic powers, capture all the facets of the impressive fortification. These paintings are in private ownership and, having been painstakingly restored, can now be seen in public again for the first time since the Second World War. Four genre paintings by Jean Siméon Chardin which, like all the other loan works in the exhibition, were once acquired by Prince Joseph Wenzel, offer an immersive experience of life in the 18th century. These works are owned by the two major national galleries of North America, the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Letters and documents, as well as precious gifts, testify to the very personal relationship between Joseph Wenzel, 'excellent citizen and faithful friend', and Empress Maria Theresa, as well as the lifelong bond between the 'faithful prince' and Prussian King Frederick the Great. Taken together with the portraits depicting Wenzel at different points in his life, they evoke the life of a prince with a vibrant personality.
MARCH at the PALACE - Special exhibition
THE CONSTANT PRINCE – Joseph Wenzel and his art
Liechtenstein GARDEN PALACE
March 1 – 31, 2022 | Open daily 11–19 | Admission free
The special exhibition marks the launch of a new exhibition series, MARCH at the PALACE, to be held annually, with free admission. The series will focus on the personalities of individual princes, the history of princely collecting practices, new acquisitions, restoration projects, specific focal points of particular collections, and new associations.
As part of MARCH at the PALACE an additional number of guided tours of the permanent exhibition in the galleries on the 1st floor (masterpieces from the early Renaissance to High Baroque) will also be offered from March 1 – 31 at reduced entry prices.
To find out dates and reservation options for the guided tours, click here, e-mail office@palaisliechtenstein.com, or call +43 1 319 5767-0.
