Special Guest from Moscow: The Stroganoff Madonna in Dresden

GAZPROM Germania sponsored Russian-German museum exchange

Following the success of the German Brücke artists’ exhibition in Moscow in 2008, GAZPROM Germania and Moscow’s Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts had embarked on a new artistic mission. And although the paintings exchanged are the work of an Italian, the latest exhibition had a clear focus on intercultural exchange between Russia and Germany and is brought new life to Russian-Saxon art transfer.

From 28 October 2009 to 31 January 2010, GAZPROM Germania presented a special guest from Moscow at Dresden’s Old Masters Picture Gallery: The Stroganoff Madonna, painted by Italian mannerist painter Angelo Bronzino in 1540, has travelled nearly 1,900 km to be exhibited to connoisseurs and enthusiasts at the Dresden State Art Collection. The Stroganoff Madonna is usually at home at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, which has one of Russia's most significant art collections and has sent the oil painting to the banks of the River Elbe on loan for three months.

The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow and the Dresden State Art Collection started loaning masterpieces to each other to exhibit together with their own collections four years ago: The exhibition of the Stroganoff Madonna in Dresden had  followed the exhibition of works by Antonello da Messina (2006) and Andrea Mantegna (2009) in Moscow. The Stroganoff Madonna is one of the earliest oil paintings completed by Bronzino, who, as is typical of mannerists, is best known for his frescos, altarpieces, and portraits.

By sponsoring the exhibition of the Stroganoff Madonna, GAZPROM Germania is making an important contribution to the loaning of art between the two museums. Not only was our sponsorship enabling German art enthusiasts to view the cabinet exhibition of Bronzino’s masterpiece, but also strengthening the cooperation between Russian and German museums. By sharing mutual interest in artistic treasures from each other’s countries, it is possible to build cultural bridges between Russia and Germany.

Link:

Dresden State Art Collection (English)

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