Culture

Königstein views by Bernardo Bellotto

Bernardo Bellotto (1722–1780) The Fortress of Konigstein, Five versions in one, photo by Alain Chivilo
For the first time in more than 250 years, the five monumental views by Bernardo Bellotto (1722-1780) dedicated to the Königstein Fortress (stronghold located approximately 25 miles southeast of Dresden, in the picturesque Elbe valley) are reunited at The National Gallery, London.
Vedutism is still in UK. Königstein’s five paintings describe the ancient fortress also known as the Saxon Bastille.
Painted at the height of Bellotto’s career, when he was court painter to August III, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, these views were commissioned as part of a larger series of 30 views of Dresden and its surroundings.
Until 31 October 2021, Room 1, it is possible to admire the five masterpieces throughout multiple perspectives.
Bellotto, vedutist artist, offers us details of the life of the castle, but also strong representations of the structure and its surrounding environment.

by Alain Chivilò