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 this winter, bringing the magic and beauty of Chatsworth’s outstanding collection of drawings to the heart of Edinburgh. From 9 November 2024, 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.
The exhibition will include a striking double portrait painting of Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, recently returned to Chatsworth after being stolen while on loan in 1979. Lost for over 40 years, this intricate artwork by Flemish artist Erasmus Quellinus II was remarkably tracked down by the Belgian art historian, Bert Schepers, who identified it at a European auction. 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.
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 eighteenth century.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!
Following the incredible success of last year’s blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland’s own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!
READ MORE
Paper Trails presents a focused selection of works on paper by &Gallery’s represented artists this January.
READ MORE
Join our British Sign Language tour of the Drawing the Italian Renaissance exhibition at The King's Gallery, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
The Biba Story explores how fashion phenomenon Biba blossomed to become the world’s first lifestyle label, sparking a revolution in how people shopped.
READ MORE
The annual GCCF Championship Cat Show will be held on Saturday 14th February at West Lothian College Sports Hall, Livingston. It's a purr-fect day out for cat lovers everywhere!
READ MORE
From the organisers of Truckfest comes Classic Trucks & Tractors, a brand-new show on 28th Feb & 1st March 2026 at the Royal Highland Centre.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorcycle Show returns to the Royal Highland Centre on March 7th & 8th with all the latest models, major manufacturers, and breath-taking live action!
READ MORE
The 100 Best Australian Wines Festival with Matthew Jukes is back at The Edinburgh Academy on Saturday 21st March, following its great success last year!
READ MORE