Rudolf II. a mistri grafického umení: Rudolf II and masters of printmaking

Abstract

In 2012, four hundred years elapsed from the death of Emperor Rudolf II, one of the great patrons of the arts and sciences. His patronage drew together Europe's most prominent figures from the spheres of culture and science, who were active at his court in Prague where he had moved his residence from Vienna. Painting, sculpture and other visual arts flourished under imperial patronage, as did printmaking that was gradually established as a new art medium in its own right. With the improvement of engraving and etching, printmaking was elevated to the status of a fine art during the second half of the 16th century, through the works of master engravers. The prints presented at the exhibition rank with the very best created in Rudolf's era. The graphic sheets in the exhibition collection are closely associated with Emperor Rudolf II and those in his immediate circle. Exhibition: National Gallery, Prague, Czech Republic (19.12.2012-26.5.2013).