Treasures from the State Hermitage Museum, Russia: Rubens and his Age
1 October, 2002 - 18 September, 2003

For the first time in its history, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao will host an exhibition from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum. This important show will be dedicated to the great Flemish painter Rubens and his age. Central place will be occupied by paintings of Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and his contemporaries, the major Flemish artists of the 17th century, van Dyck and Jordans. Of 93 paintings and 33 drawings of Flemish masters showed in the exhibit, there will be 16 works by Rubens who had paramount importance for the fine arts of the 17th century Flanders. Though Rubens himself worked mostly as a painter, almost all other fine arts were drawn into the orbit of his influence. The exhibition will also show 50 objects of applied art, tapestries, silverware, carved bone, jewelry and 11 objects of weaponry.

The exhibition is organized by the Hermitage curatorial staff headed by Director Mikhail B. Piotrovsky. The illustrated catalogue published for the exhibition includes historical essays along with comments to paintings and information on their provenance.

Programs and educational events are planned in connection with the exhibition, including lectures, tours for visitors and family programs.

The Union of Earth and Water (Antwerp and the Scheldt)
Pieter Paul Rubens
Larger view

Self-Portrait
Anthony van Dyck
Larger view

Caravel Pendant
1580s-1590s
Larger view