A striking painting stolen over 40 years ago goes on display in Scotland for the first time

Discover the striking double portrait painting of featured artists Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, recently returned to Chatsworth a staggering 45 years after it was stolen.

Article Source: National Galleries of Scotland
Last Updated: 7 November 2024 15:00

Opening Saturday 9th November

For the first time ever in Scotland, experience one of the finest and most significant collections of drawings and watercolours direct from Chatsworth in Derbyshire. Exclusive to the National Galleries of Scotland, Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House will take over the lower galleries of the Royal Scottish Academy building.

As part of the exhibition discover the striking double portrait painting of featured artists Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, recently returned to Chatsworth a staggering 45 years after it was stolen. This intricate artwork by Flemish artist Erasmus Quellinus II was taken whilst on loan to an art gallery in Eastbourne in 1979. The painting was remarkably tracked down by the Belgian art historian, Bert Schepers, who identified it at a small regional auction house in Toulon, France in 2021. Since then, a team who specialise in recovering lost artworks worked hard to get it back to its owner. The double portrait was reinstated at Chatsworth earlier this year and will make its Scottish debut as part of Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House.

Local artist, The Edinburgh Sketcher, joined the team at the National Galleries of Scotland to draw up his own version of the exhibition.

Bringing the magic and beauty of Chatsworth’s outstanding collection of drawings to the heart of Edinburgh, visitors will enjoy a unique opportunity to view almost 50 beautiful and rarely seen drawings by some of the most famous names in European art, including Albrecht Dürer, Hans Holbein the Younger, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn and Anthony van Dyck. Not one to miss, this will be the only chance to see Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House anywhere in the world, with all but two of the artworks on display in Scotland for the first time ever.

Explore the intricacy of some of the most important Flemish, Dutch, Early Netherlandish, and German drawings and watercolours from the Devonshire Collections, in a dazzling display spanning from 1500 to 1700. Travel along the idyllic banks of the River Amstel and spot the windmills in Rembrandt’s View on the Amsteldijk at Meerhuizen, Looking Towards the Little Windmill (1648-50). Join the thrill of the chase and engage in epic moments of battle with Anthony van Dyck in works such as A Wolf and Fox Hunt (1616-17) and Horatius Cocles Defending the Tiber Bridge (1618-21). Witness iconic biblical scenes as realised by Peter Paul Rubens in Five Groups of Figures for a Last Supper (Christ Announcing his Betrayal) (1601), Adam and Eve (1520) by Jan Gossart and the ethereal The Virgin and Child with the Infant St John (1516-18) by Albrecht Dürer, the earliest drawing on display.

Home to the Devonshire family for almost five centuries, Chatsworth is renowned for its Grade I listed house, romantic sprawling grounds and one of the most significant private art collections in Europe. From holding Mary, Queen of Scots captive in the 16th century, to playing the fictional home of Pride and Prejudice's Mr. Darcy, Chatsworth has been an important backdrop to some of the most significant moments throughout history and popular culture. The core of this collection was assembled by the 2nd Duke of Devonshire in the early 18th century.

Tico Seifert, Senior Curator of Northern European Art at the National Galleries of Scotland said: “This exciting partnership with Chatsworth presents a rare opportunity to bring a world-renowned collection of drawings to Edinburgh for the first time. Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House spans two hundred years of exceptional artworks by many of the best-known names in the art world, and it invites an intimate look at some of the most beautiful drawings they ever created. It’s a privilege that the National Galleries of Scotland becomes the first and only venue to display these timeless works of art in this specially crafted exhibition and we cannot wait to share it with our visitors.”

Alice Martin, Head of the Devonshire Collections said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the National Galleries of Scotland on this exhibition. We are always looking at ways to increase access to the Devonshire Collections, especially for those unable to visit Chatsworth, and share works with new audiences. We hope that people will take the opportunity to visit the Royal Scottish Academy and enjoy this wonderful collection of drawings and watercolours.”

Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House, a National Galleries of Scotland exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, is yours to discover from Saturday 9 November 2024. Tickets available Here

Tickets £4-£14 Friends go free

Image: Tico Seifert, Senior Curator of European & Scottish Art & Portraiture at the National Galleries of Scotland with the recovered painting, A Double Portrait of Sir Peter Paul Rubens and Sir Anthony Van Dyck by Erasmus Quellinus II (1607-1678), 1640s or 1650s. © The Devonshire Collections, Chatsworth. Reproduced by permission of Chatsworth Settlement Trustees.

Image Credit: Neil Hanna

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery At The Arches

World-renowned distillers, Edinburgh Gin, has opened the doors to its brand new distillery at The Arches.

Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to textile heartland of Scotland

A highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at the Great Tapestry of Scotland!

Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico

Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.

Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.

Australian superstar Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles

Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles: playing Frank-N-Furter in Richard O'Brien's anarchic musical, The Rocky Horror Show at Edinburgh Playhouse.

Vault City toasts first ever supermarket listings for stout with major UK name

Jingle Brew: Edinburgh-based independent beer firm Vault City now has its Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout stocked by Tesco in time for festive season.

Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well

Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.

Two Weeks Til Edinburghs Hogmanay First Footin

The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for four days of events to ring in 2025, running from December 29th to January 1st.

Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day

After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.

Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition

A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.

Win a year of free flights as Loganair invites Edinburgh residents to share the joy of reuniting

Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, is spreading the joy of Christmas as it gifts free flights for an entire year for reconnecting with loved ones.

Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots

Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.

Johnston Carmichael clothing collection is the right fit for social mobility charities

Johnston Carmichael has collected over one hundred of items of new and lightly worn pre-loved clothing for charities that help unemployed men and women back into work.

Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners steam home to victory at the ScotRail awards

Newtongrange train station has undergone a transformation this year, thanks to Newtongrange Guerrilla Gardeners, who scooped the Community Project of the Year title.

Scotch liqueur brand takes Christmas to new heights on Edinburgh rooftop bar

Scotch malt whisky cream liqueur brand Magnum, has launched a new winter wonderland experience on the rooftop bar of the iconic Cold Town House in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores

Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.

Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list

Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.

Edinburgh Zoo plea for locals to refrain from letting off fireworks at Hogmanay

Residents near the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo are being asked not to set off fireworks this Hogmanay, following the death of a baby red panda last month.

Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!

This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.

Success for first ever Soundhouse Winter Festival

Music fans packed out the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh for Soundhouse’s first ever Winter Festival.

Christmas Day Dining at Duck & Waffle

Celebrate Christmas Day with friends and family at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh, where the magic of Narnia comes to life!

Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards

The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.

Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage

James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.

Experience a World of Winter Wonder at Dynamic Earth this December

Dynamic Earth invites families to step into a world of winter wonder, and to experience the magic of the holidays like never before.

Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for

The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!

Capital Theatres launches new partnership with The Secret Garden Distillery

Capital Theatres is delighted to celebrate the launch of a new bar partnership with The Secret Garden Distillery, a family-owned luxury distillery based in Edinburgh.

Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Edinburgh with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch

Flight Club Edinburgh is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.

itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter

Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.

Rediscovered Artemisia Gentileschi painting goes on display in Scotland for the first time

A rare surviving painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, the greatest female artist of her generation, is on display for visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Cafe Partners with local Dog and Cat Home for Launch of New Club to Support Pets in Need

Sip & Bark, the beloved dog-friendly café in Edinburgh, has announced a new partnership with Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home through the launch of an exclusive membership club.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

A striking painting stolen over 40 years ago goes on display in Scotland for the first time

Discover the striking double portrait painting of featured artists Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, recently returned to Chatsworth a staggering 45 years after it was stolen.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings