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Sigismundus Rex et Imperator – Art and culture in the age of Sigismund of Luxemburg, 1387-1437: A temporary exhibition at the Museum of fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum), Budapest : 18 March – 18 June 2006
From 18 March to 18 June 2006 Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum) is hosting an exhibition unprecedented in scale, content and organisation within the distinguished tradition of art shows in Hungary. Organised jointly with Luxembourg’s Musée national d’histoire et d’art, Sigismundus Rex et Imperator will also be on view in Luxembourg for three months following the Budapest venue.
The large collection of material on display focuses on the personality and activities of Sigismund of Luxemburg, king of Hungary and Holy Roman emperor. Never before has such a complete display of the cultural and artistic achievements of this period been assembled in one venue. Nearly 400 artworks acquaint visitors with the finest paintings, sculptures, metalworks, codices, arms and other decorative objects that the period has to offer. Many of these items are being moved for the first time from their original place of preservation.
This exhibition is the result of extensive international cooperation. More than 100 institutions from 19 countries have agreed to lend items. The 26 lectures given at the conference held one year prior to the exhibit’s opening and the 40 studies appearing in the catalogue help to reshape our understanding of the period. The exhibition faithfully reconstructs the heightened intellectual buzz Sigismund maintained in his court, resulting in remarkable opportunities for artists of the period.
To fulfill the visitors’ demand for a spectacular display and experience, the event has been enriched with a wide range of cultural pograms that are offered in line with the exhibition. In addition, a publication for children and a CD-ROM edition of Sigismund’s illustrated biography compiled by Eberhard Windecke is also available.
