t Hans Multscher’s 15th-century Wurzach Altar
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I6 ⌂ Matthäikirchplatz 4–6 & Potsdamer Platz Mendelssohn-Bartholdy-Park @ 200, M29, M41, M48, M85 # 10am–6pm Tue–Sun (to 8pm Thu) ∑ smb.museum
The Picture Gallery is the central attraction of the Kulturforum complex. Circling a striking inner courtyard, the gallery contains many of the world’s finest 13th- to 18th-century European paintings.
t Hans Multscher’s 15th-century Wurzach Altar
Experience Tiergarten
t High ceilings and natural light help show off the gallery’s masterpieces
The paintings in the Picture Gallery collection have been carefully chosen by specialists who, from the beginning of the 19th century, systematically acquired pictures to ensure that all the major European schools of painting were represented. After the division of the city in 1945, the collection was split over several sites in East and West Berlin. Following reunification, with the building of a new home as part of the Kulturforum development, this unique set of paintings was united again. The building was designed by Heinz Hilmer and Christoph Sattler and its exhibition space offers a superb environment in which to view the paintings. The pictures are gently lit by the diffused daylight that streams in from above, while the walls are covered in light-absorbing fabric. The vast hall that occupies the centre of the building allows the visitor to take a break from sightseeing at any time. The hall, with a futuristic sculpture by Walter de Maria set in a water-filled pool, provides an ideal place for moments of quiet contemplation and rest.
The collection of Italian paintings contains exemplary works by 14th- and 15th-century masters, including later works by Raphael, such as the Madonna di Terranuova, painted after Raphael’s arrival in Florence around 1505.
The Venetian school is also well represented: Portrait of a Young Man by Giorgione is a vibrant and colourful study; there is also Titian’s Venus and the Organ Player and Tintoretto’s Virgin and the Child Adored by Saints Mark and Luke. It is worth comparing Caravaggio’s Cupid Victorious, whose provocative and distinctly human sexuality contrasts with the spiritual orthodoxy of Heavenly and Earthly Love, by Giovanni Baglione. Similar in style, the two paintings convey opposing ideologies.
Works by Old Masters such as Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Francesco Guardi and Antonio Canaletto represent the art of 18th-century Venice.
Within the large collection of excellent Flemish paintings you can marvel at the Baroque vitality and texture evident in the canvases of friends and sometime collaborators Peter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Jan Brueghel the Elder and Frans Snyders. The exceptional portraits of Anthony van Dyck are indicative of the artist at the height of his powers.
The gallery of 17th-century Dutch paintings probably holds the richest collection in the museum. Included among these are portraits by Frans Hals that perfectly illustrate his enormous artistic talents.
All the most famous Dutch painters are represented but the works of Jan Vermeer and Rembrandt attract the greatest amount of interest. Rembrandt’s works include the paintings Samson and Delilah, Susanna and the Two Elders and Joseph and the Wife of Potiphar. It is also worth taking time to view the Man in the Golden Helmet, a sad yet noble painting originally attributed to Rembrandt, which carbon-dating has shown to be the work of members of his studio. It is a magnificent tribute to his skill as a teacher.
The collection of French art includes highlights such as The Madonna with Child (c 1410), one of the oldest preserved works of art painted on a canvas. Nicolas Poussin, the mainspring of the French Classical tradition, and Claude Lorrain, famous for his idealized landscapes, showcase 17th-century French painting. The 18th century is represented by Jean-Antoine Watteau, Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin and FranÇois Boucher.
The smaller Spanish collection contains a portrait by Diego Velázquez, while the English collection includes good portraits by rivals Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough.
The German collection comprises works from the 13th to 18th centuries. It includes a fine body of religious art – notably the side panels of the 15th-century Wurzacher Altar, ascribed to Hans Multscher.
A real rarity is the Nativity by Martin Schongauer. Often thought of primarily as an engraver, he was one of the most significant painters of the late 15th century but few of his paintings have survived. Another artist known for both his engravings and paintings, Albrecht Dürer was a major figure in Renaissance art in northern Europe. His works here include Madonna with the Siskin and two portraits of Nürnberg patriarchs.
The 17th and 18thcenturies are represented by the works of notable artists such as Adam Elsheimer and Johann Heinrich Tischbein.
The main gallery contains about 1,000 masterpieces grouped according to their country of origin and period. The educational gallery on the lower floor houses about 400 13th– to 18th-century European paintings and a digital gallery.
The Kulturforum complex includes art galleries, concert halls and theatres.
Insider Tip
This work by Pieter Bruegel the Elder is one of the most outstanding pieces in the Dutch collection. To fully appreciate the mastery and humour in this work, make sure you read the accompanying information board.
Experience Tiergarten
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EAT Café am Neuen See For a picturesque, lakeside break between museums, take a stroll to this Tiergarten beer garden. J6 ⌂ Lichtensteinallee 2 ∑ cafeamneuensee.de ¡¡¡ Lindenbräu This popular watering hole serves Bavarian specialties and home-brewed fruit-flavoured wheat beer. J6 ⌂ Bellevue-strasse 3–5 ∑ bier-genuss.berlin ¡¡¡ Vox This elegant hotel restaurant serves a modern fusion of Asian and international dishes. J6 ⌂ Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 2 ∑ vox-restaurant.de ¡¡¡ Ristorante essenza Enjoy top-notch, creative Italian fare at this pleasant restaurant. The menu is matched with an extensive list of wines and champagnes. J6 ⌂ Potsdamer Strasse 3 ∑ ristorante-essenza.de ¡¡¡ |
Experience Tiergarten
Timeline |
c 1480Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints, by Italian Renaissance artist Carlo Crivelli. |
c 1489Saint John on Patmos, an oil on oak painting by Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch. |
1559Pieter Bruegel managed to illustrate more than 100 proverbs in his painting Dutch Proverbs. |
c 1636Landscape with Juno and Argus, Nicolas Poussin. |
1641Double portrait of the Mennonite preacher Cornelis Claesz Anslo and his wife Aeltje Gerritsdr Schouten, Rembrandt. |