Dresden State Art Collections Mark 500th Anniversary of Elector Augustus of Saxony
This year marks the 500th anniversary of Elector Augustus of Saxony, and to honor him, the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD) are putting on a series of events that will last all year. Augustus, born on July 31, 1526, became Elector in 1553 and played a key role in the Central European Renaissance. Around 1560, he established a Kunstkammer in the Royal Palace of Dresden, gathering art, rare items, and scientific instruments. This collection was the foundation for what is now the SKD. His successors continued to build on his legacy, showcasing a wide range of items, from ivory carvings to astronomical devices, highlighting how his approach to collecting shaped today’s museums.
Key facts
- The Dresden State Art Collections (SKD) are marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of Elector Augustus of Saxony.
- Augustus of Saxony was born on July 31, 1526.
- He became Elector in 1553.
- Around 1560, he established a Kunstkammer in Dresden's Royal Palace.
- The Kunstkammer brought together artworks, precious objects, scientific instruments, and technical tools.
- The collection became the nucleus of the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD).
- Augustus's collections have been preserved and expanded by successive generations of Saxon rulers.
- His interests included ivory carvings, goldsmiths' work, and astronomical devices.
Entities
Artists
- Augustus of Saxony
Institutions
- Dresden State Art Collections (SKD)
Locations
- Dresden
- Germany