Academy of the Fine arts of Vienna. by breughel
The gallery of paintings of the Academy of the Fine arts of Vienna is essentially visited for its famous altar triptych of the "Last Judgement" by Hieronymus (Jerome) Bosch.This work of 1504 belonged to the archduke Leopold of Austria and became part of the collection of the count Lamberg, founder of this museum.
The wings of the triptych open to reveal, from left to right, "Original Sin", "The Last Judgement" and "Hell".
Bosch?s pictures have always fascinated viewers; Philip II, king of Spain, collected his works. If in his time Bosch was regarded as the inventor of monsters and chimeras, today his paintings still hold as an intriguing attraction reflecting mysterious practices of the Middle Ages. I was surprised during my last visit at the Prado museum of Madrid to notice that guides stopped their groups in front of the other famous triptych of J. Bosch " The Garden of the Delights " to explain at length its symbolism, while in previous years they would spend more time on Velazquez and other painters of the Spanish school.
Jerome Bosch seems a rising star in the world of the fans of the esotericism, the mysteries and the sects. Should we see here a collateral effect of the "Da Vinci Code" esoteric passion?
Really, there is nothing esoteric in the gallery of the paintings of the Academy of Vienna. This museum is - still - very quiet and has few visitors. It is a pity because it contains a number of other masterpieces.
In front of the Bosch triptych is a magnificent painting of Dieric Bouts "The Coronation of the Virgin".
The museum also has beautiful sections of paintings of the German school with Cranach, the Italians, the Flemish baroque with Rubens and a collection of Dutch painters with a magnificent Pieter de Hooch "Family picture in a courtyard in Delft" and a portrait by Rembrandt.
The amateurs of Venice will find eight views "veduti" by Guardi. Open 10 to 18 h. Closed on Monday.
Entry 7 ?,
Reduced price 4 ?
Address: Akademie der bildenden Künste 1, Schillerplatz 3
Directions: U, Tram, Bus: Karlsplatz
Website: www.akademiegalerie.at
