Once again this year, for the duration of the temporary exhibition “CAST FOR ETERNITY. The Bronzes of the Princes of Liechtenstein”, the Liechtenstein Garden Palace could be visited free of charge, affording visitors unique insights into the Princely Collections. Close on 23,000 art enthusiasts made the second event in the series MARCH AT THE PALACE another resounding success.
‘I am delighted that this year once again so many people took up our invitation to explore a selection of masterpieces and their stories’, says HSH Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein. ‘The way the exhibition was put together not only made for a unique artistic experience but also enabled visitors to gain a deep understanding of European cultural history. Both of these elements are of central concern to our family and confirm our decision to make the Collections accessible in this year this way
The tradition of collecting in the Princely Family of Liechtenstein has endured for over four hundred years, resulting in a collection of major international significance in terms of its artistic rank and value as historical testimonial. Among the most fascinating exhibits are precious bronze sculptures dating from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. From 1 to 31 March 2023 the temporary exhibition CAST FOR ETERNITY showcased choice examples such as the “Bust of Marcus Aurelius” by Antico and Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi’s “Anima Dannata”, as well as superb loans from the most important international collections of bronzes, including Leonardo da Vinci’s “Equestrian Statuette” from Budapest and the statuette of “Christ at the Scourging Pillar” by Adrian de Fries from Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Johann Kräftner
‘With an exhibition devoted exclusively to the art of bronze, we were breaking completely new ground in Vienna’, points out Johann Kräftner, Director of the Princely Collections, who bows out with this show before retiring. ‘We wanted to give visitors the opportunity to get to know a spectacular – if for many unfamiliar – artistic genre, and it is all the more pleasing just how many of them enthusiastically embarked on this fascinating journey of discovery, enabling them to explore new aspects and gain new perspectives. Even though the city boasts many historic statues in bronze that we pass by every day, most people have probably not encountered major masterpieces of this genre at such close quarters. I was especially surprised at the large number of young visitors the exhibition attracted.’
The catalogue in German can be purchased on the Brandstätter Publishing website as well as at the Hofkellerei shop (open Tuesday to Saturday 12 am–7 pm).
The catalogue accompanying the 2022 exhibition "THE CONSTANT PRINCE. Joseph Wenzel I von Liechtenstein and his Art" is also available.
CAST FOR ETERNITY. The Bronzes of the Princes of Liechtenstein: 38,– EUR
THE CONSTANT PRINCE. Joseph Wenzel I von Liechtenstein and his Art: 38,– EUR
BOOK SET – both catalogs in a set of 2: 50,– EUR
The catalogues are available only in German.
WEBSITE BRANDSTÄTTER PUBLISHING
In 2024 a catalogue accompanying the exhibition "HERCULES OF THE ARTS. Johann Adam Andreas I. and Vienna around 1700" was published and can be purchased on the Hirmer Publishers website and bookstores as well as at the Hofkellerei shop (open Tuesday to Saturday 12 am–7 pm).
38,– EUR (D) / 39,10 EUR (A)
