Announcement
Utrecht, August 2007
The mystery of Poland: Medieval Masterpieces
Polish masterworks from the National Museum in Warsaw
5 October 2007 - 6 January 2008
Recently, Poland has been featured somewhat negatively in the Dutch news. A few weeks ago, there was the position adopted during the European Summit and at the beginning of May, the newspapers were filled with rumours about the invasion of “cheap Polish workers”. Less well known is that Poland also has beautiful medieval art treasures. It is extraordinary that these works have been preserved. The Second World War was also hugely destructive for the museum world and communism kept Polish art treasures from the view of the West for many years. Museum Catharijneconvent is bringing this unknown art collection for a once only exhibition Medieval Masterpieces, Polish masterworks from the National Museum in Warsaw.
Once only opportunity
Last year, Museum Catharijneconvent was approached concerning its interest inexhibiting the very best works from the medieval collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. A unique opportunity, as the head curator, who had been in charge of the Polish museum for 30 years made very clear: “Once only and never again”. Museum Catharijneconvent grabbed the opportunity immediately to bring this beautiful, but also vulnerable collection, to Utrecht.
Art with emotion
What can visitors expect? Impressive large altarpieces, for example, 2 metres high and 6 metres long, paintings full of symbolism, but also elegant statues. All these works of art were made for churches and cloisters and finally ended up in museums.
These Polish masterpieces prove that the Middle Ages were certainly not centuries of darkness. They were made by the best artists of the time and are extremely colourful and decorated in gold leaf. Just as Polish workers travel across Europe plying their trades at present, back in medieval times, many artists travelled to rich patrons. The works of art still stir the emotions even today: moved by their beauty or horrified by their violence. For example, a more than life-size wooden carving of Christ on the Cross, His mouth twisted in pain and blood pouring from countless wounds. Or the striking panel with an image of Mary Magdalene, where the artist has given her a fur-type pelt.
Worth the journey
It is not insignificant that Museum Catharijneconvent was approached to exhibit this collection. The Museum is the only organisation in the Netherlands with an internationally renowned medieval collection. In the Michelin Guidebook of European cities (2006) the Museum was given the highest award of 3 stars and the attribution “worth the journey”.
Polish atmosphere
For the three months, the museum will be dedicated to everything Polish: products in the museum shop, readings, musical performances, guided tours, but also arrangements for city walks through medieval Utrecht. For both groups and individual visitors.
Huge interest
Due to the expected huge interest, Museum Catharijneconvent will also be open on Mondays from 10.00 to 17.00. A €1.50 per person surcharge will be levied on the entrance price. The accompanying catalogue can be purchased in the museum shop for €29.95. The exhibition is a co-production of the Art Centre Basel and the National Museum in Warsaw.
Download here the pdf of the leaflet with an English and Polish summary
NOTE FOR THE EDITOR– Not for publication
For more information and/or digital images: Billie-Jo Krul, pressoffice@catharijneconvent.nlFor more information about events and special offers: Rosemarie Boone,
r.boone@catharijneconvent.nlT 030 – 231 38 35 / www.catharijneconvent.nl