Liechtenstein. 900 years of a ruling family in the heart of Europe
Special Exhibition in the National Palace Museum of Korea
After the success of a first exhibition at the National Museum of Korea in 2015, the Princely Collections are now back for a second time in Seoul. Entitled The Liechtensteins. 900 Years of a Reigning Family in the Heart of Europe, this new exhibition at the National Palace Museum of Korea tells the story of the Princely House of Liechtenstein and illuminates the history of the Princely Collections. Dedicated to the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), the history of its palaces and the royal treasures, the museum is the perfect location for the Princely Collections' new exhibition.
Divided into fourteen sections which guide the visitor through the history of the House of Liechtenstein from its beginnings in the Middle Ages to the present day, the exhibition showcases more than 210 objects, including manuscripts, documents, architectural designs, watercolours, books, uniforms and liveries, weapons, furniture, objets d'art, sculptures and paintings, to paint a comprehensive picture of a venerable European dynasty that is uniquely steeped in tradition.
The earliest object on display is a document recording the gift of the demesne of Nikolsburg from 1249, but the Korean public will also have the opportunity of viewing works of art that have been acquired only recently by the reigning prince, Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein, such as a portrait by Rosso Fiorentino, shown here for the first time.
Also on display will be important masterpieces that are directly associated with the family such as the ornate chest with commessi di pietre dure (1620/23) commissioned in Prague by Prince Karl I. von Liechtenstein. A special highlight is a festively decked table laid with exquisite Neoclassical porcelain made at the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory, glassware by J. & L. Lobmeyr (Vienna) and silver cutlery from the Roman Service that once belonged to Napoleon (1811).
