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

Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives

A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.

FIRST LOOK at Donny Osmond in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

First look at production shots for the acclaimed London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, featuring Donny Osmond as Pharoah.

New Co op store launches in Shawfair Park

The Co-op’s newest store launched today (6th December) in Shawfair Park, Edinburgh.

Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes endangered Asiatic lioness

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed eight-year-old Asiatic lioness, Bindee, from Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse in France.

Forever Edinburgh has today announced a new charity drive for Edinburgh residents

This will see Forever Edinburgh collaborate with local tourism businesses to provide hundreds of free experiences to those most in need this festive season and beyond.

Edinburgh hotel gives 6750 plastic bottles a stylish second life

Ten Hill Place Hotel has recently unveiled new staff uniforms designed by Gresham Blake and made from recycled plastic bottles, alongside achieving 16th consecutive Green Tourism Gold Award.

Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line

A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.

Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024

Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.

TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025

50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.

A sensational year of art for everyone at National Galleries of Scotland in 2025

National Galleries of Scotland announces an unmissable programme of free and ticketed exhibitions set to take over the National, Portrait and Modern galleries in Edinburgh throughout 2025.

Warninks Advocaat brings a festive Christmas Lights recycling service to Edinburgh

The Warninks ‘swap and recycle’ initiative is a FREE bookable service which delivers a Warninks Light Technician to your door, who will deliver new Christmas lights and recycle the old.

Thistle Be a Merry Little Christmas

For one day only, on Saturday 7th December, Laura Bond and Thistle Street’s independent businesses will unite to offer exclusive holiday deals!

December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From a Christmas Cabaret to a Hogmanay Ball, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's festive events this December!

Mindroom Celebrates Success Of Volunteering Scheme

Edinburgh Based Neurodiversity Charity Celebrates the Impact of its Vital Volunteer Programme ahead of International Volunteers Day (December 5).

Fort Kinnaird and Cyrenians call on local community to help spread festive cheer

Fort Kinnaird has teamed up with Cyrenians to launch a ‘Letters of Hope’ initiative, as part of the charity’s winter appeal to combat social isolation.

Cafe Andaluz Stockbridge reaches meatball milestone as it celebrates first birthday with Edinburgh Accies

Café Andaluz Stockbridge celebrated one year at Raeburn Place by inviting the entire Accies team to tuck into its most popular dish, Albondigas (Spanish meatballs).

Coca Cola Christmas Truck Tour is heading to Edinburgh tomorrow

Holidays Are Coming! The Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour, will be parking up on Saturday 30th November, at Fort Kinnard, Edinburgh.

Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!

A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!

Festive window display pays tribute to Edinburgh charity hero

In a celebration of community spirit and festive joy, Edinburgh’s very own local legend, Shikha Ahuja, is being honoured in a vibrant Christmas window display at Pret A Manger on North Bridge.

Palace of Holyroodhouse lit up for Christmas

Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will now see the State Apartments decorated with magnificent Christmas displays.

Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Has The Festive Season All Wrapped Up

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Has The Festive Season All Wrapped Up as it Successfully defends “World’s Leading Spirit Experience” Crown.

Bonnie & Wild Food Hall unveils its bumper Christmas offer

Edinburgh Food Hall Bonnie & Wild has unwrapped its bumper Christmas offer with a festive feast of seasonal specials, daily drinks tastings, extended trading hours, and even a Boxing Day ceilidh.

We have our own Moo Deng

Haggis, the newest pygmy hippo taking the internet by storm, can now be spotted in her habitat at Edinburgh Zoo alongside her mum Gloria.

Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.

Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos

A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!

Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas

itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.

Get messy this Christmas with the award winning burger restaurant, El Perro Negro

The holidays are here, and El Perro Negro is bringing the festive spirit in true mouthwatering style!

Fun for all ages with Capital Theatres Festive Season

Capital Theatres aims to share the magic and wonder of the festive season with everyone with Cinderella, The Gift, Scottish Ballet’s The Nutcracker and a Care Homes Tour of Jack in the Box.

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