This exhibition showcases highlights from the Rijksmuseum's Print Room collection, featuring drawings by renowned Italian masters such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Carracci, and Canaletto. The display offers insights into preparatory works for paintings and the artistic talents of these significant historical figures.
The Rijksmuseum presents 'The best Italian drawings,' a significant exhibition drawn from its own Print Room collection, highlighting the exceptional talent of Italian masters from the 16th to 18th centuries. Visitors can expect to see works by celebrated artists including Raphael, whose study for 'The Transfiguration' is featured, and Michelangelo, with his design for an equestrian statue commissioned by Catherine de' Medici. The exhibition also includes drawings by Carracci, Barocci, Canaletto, Tiepolo, and Piranesi, offering a comprehensive look at various artistic styles and periods.
Many of these works are large preparatory sketches for paintings, providing a glimpse into the creative process of artists. The exhibition acknowledges the crucial role of I.Q. van Regteren Altena in enriching the Print Room's collection. For the first time, Italian neo-classicist drawings, acquired with support from Mr and Mrs Van Hulsen-0gnibeni and representing the period circa 1790-1825, are put on display, with no other Dutch institution holding comparable works from this era. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the detail and mastery of these historical drawings.