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Albertina

by - 30.6.08

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23 June 2008

As mentioned last Friday, this statue of Franz Joseph I can be found at the mezzanine of Albertina, one of the more popular art museums in Vienna. It houses one of the largest and most important graphics collections in the world with approximately 65,000 drawings and approximately 1 million old master prints, as well as more modern graphics works.

The collection of paintings was created by Duke Albert of Saxen- Teschen with the Genoese count Giacomo Durazzo (Austrian ambassador in Venice). In 1776 the count presented 30.000 pieces of art to the Duke Albert and his wife Marie-Christine. Graf Giacomo Durazzo - brother of Marcello Durazzo (Doge of Genoa) - "wanted to create a collection for posterity that served higher purposes than all others: education and the power of morality should distinguish his collection..." In the 1820s, Archduke Charles initiated further modifications of the building by Joseph Kornhäusel, which affected mostly the interior decoration. After Archduke Charles, Archduke Albert and Archduke Friedrich, Duke of Teschen lived in the building.

In early 1919, the building and the collection passed from the Habsburgs into the ownership of the Republic of Austria. In 1920, the collection of prints was unified with the collection of the former imperial court library. The name Albertina was established in 1921. In March 1945, the Albertina was heavily damaged by bomb attacks. The Albertina was completely refurbished and modernized from 1998 until 2003. (source Wikipedia)

Although not as big even half of the Louvre, the museum presented an impressive collection. Monet and Picassos' works were featured along with other impressionists at the upper floor. Paul Klee's works, mostly on paper were also exhibited at the ground floor (well technically just by the entrance which is the mezzanine). As well as Oskar Kokoschka's, an Austrian expressionist, poet and playwright who has been hospitalized after the war and diagnosed as 'unstable.' Nevertheless, he continued his art until he died. His works of late are exhibited too until July 13.

By the way, it was the first time (or second) I was told not to take photos (first time was while in the mall), good thing I only had my phone camera then, hubby had the real one lol. I put away my phone with very few photos taken. These photos were taken with the bigger camera ;-)

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3 comments

  1. one of my favourite museums!

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  2. I like the second photo because it shows two cute little art critics in front of a gallery sign. :)

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  3. napansin ko laging 2 lang mga kids sa pic eheheh kaya akala ko 2 kids mo d b you have three? this museum is cool :) i wish i can visit there someday :D tour mo ko ;D

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