A loose series of graphic prints inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses, in which people are transformed into plants can be seen in the Graphic Cabinet in the Sternberg Palace from April 13, 2010 to July 11, 2010.

A special event has been prepared for those interested in an in-depth look at the exhibition - curator Dalibor Lešovský will conduct a guided tour on Wednesday, May 5 at 3:30 p.m.

The Cabinet entitled Ovid in Metamorphoses - the Realm of Flora, on display in the Sternberg Palace from April 13 to July 11, is something of a continuation of last spring's Graphic Cabinet. This time, the National Gallery in Prague presents a loose series of graphic prints inspired by the stories of Ovid's Metamorphoses in which people are transformed into plants. On display are 17th- and 18th-century artworks by French, Netherlandish and German artists. Although the names of these artists are not widely known today, they were highly regarded in their time. 

Ovid's Metamorphoses became an indispensable source of inspiration during the Renaissance. The Baroque, too, drew inspiration from its poetic text, with many artists mining its themes. Works by major artists were re-worked in graphic workshops. For example, the Cabinet presents the etching Philemon and Baucis by Anton Joseph Prenner, which was done after a painting by Loth.

Book illustrations, several of which are exhibited, are integral to the exhibition. Visitors can see, among others, the Birth of Adonis and Apollo and Daphne dating from the first third of the 18th century. These copper engravings done after the 1677 Brussels edition are technically and artistically noteworthy. A large series by Johann Wilhelm Baur, too, served as a book illustration and is represented in the Cabinet by the etching Metamorphosis of Hyacinthus.

The Graphic Cabinet also introduces the work of leading French 17th-century graphic artist Jean Lepautre, who often employed Ovid's theme. Visitors can see his Pan and Syrinx.

Dalibor Lešovský

SPECIAL EVENT

Curator tour of the Graphic Cabinet:

May 5 - Wednesday - 3:30 p.m.  Ovid in Metamorphoses - the Realm of Flora

Lecturer: Dalibor Lešovský

Admission and tour: free / duration 30 - 45 minutes / Meeting point: Palace entrance hall

The Graphic Cabinets are an ongoing part of the permanent exhibition, but the exhibits must be replaced in three-month rotations due to the sensitivity of the materials.

Aside from the regularly scheduled free-of-charge admission times (the first Wednesday of every month from 3 till 8 p.m.), the Sternberg Palace admission fee (including the Graphic Cabinet) is as follows:

 

Admission:

150 CZK - basic fee

80 CZK - reduced fee

200 CZK - family fee

 

Reduced fee after 4 p.m.: 80 / 40 / 100 CZK, respectively.

Open daily, except Mondays, from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.

www.ngprague.cz

 

Ovid in Metamorphoses

April 13, 2010 - July 11, 2010

Chamber Exhibition of the National Gallery in Prague - Collection of Prints and Drawings in the Sternberg Palace

 

The National Gallery in Prague - Collection of Old Masters / Sternberg Palace

Curator of the Graphic Cabinet: Mgr. Dalibor Lešovský

 

Press release dated April 7, 2010

Address: The National Gallery in Prague - Sternberg Palace, Hradčanské nám. 15, Prague 1

 

Contact for journalists: Petra Jungwirthová, spokeswoman

Phone: 00420 222 32 14 59, cell: 00420 606 166 513 ; e-mail: jungwirthova@ngprague.cz