Czére Andrea szerk.: A Szépművészeti Múzeum közleményei (Budapest, 2007)

ANNUAL REPORT - A 2007. ÉV - ORSOLYA RADVÁNYI: Nicolas II Esterházy: The Collections of a Hungarian Prince in Compiegne

The exhibition and its accompanying catalogue, based on a concept by Emmanuel Starchy, differed from the representative Esterházy exhibition organised in 1999 in Frankfurt in directing attention upon the founder of the picture gallery. In recent years the comprehensive study of art collecting in different periods has come to the focus of research all over the world. As intended by curator Emmanuel Starcky, the CLAUDE LORRAIN. VILLA IN THE ROMAN CAMPAGNA. BUDAPEST. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS Esterházy exhibition was to become the opening event in a series presenting the collecting activities of Central Europe's aristocracy. The introductory studies of the exhibition catalogue provided an overview of the position and role of the Esterházy family and that of Hungary in European history while acquainting the French public with the heroic deeds of the great art patron forebears of the family and their spiritual legacy which Nicolas II inherited and enriched in a talented way. Research focused on the "works" that the prince left behind in the areas of architecture, literature, theatre life, music and the fine arts, thus drawing a picture of his complex personality as well as the inconsistencies in his taste. While he left behind a splendid Baroque palace in Eszterháza, he wished to employ the Parisian Charles Moreau to expand his castle in Kismarton in the spirit of modern "revolutionary architecture". He restored the aged Haydn to his service and at the same time supported and encouraged the young Beethoven in his fledgling aspirations. He employed a permanent theatre troupe and maintained an opera house where Mozart's compositions were played, but he also supported the contemporary fine arts as a patron: he commissioned statues from Canova and Thorvaldsen, and ordered his wife's portrait from Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun. At the other end of the scale stands a collection of paintings and graphics Esterházy built up with great care and at great expenses, which in its structure and focal points equally reflects