EDINBURGH.- Exclusive to the National Galleries of Scotland, Dürer to Van Dyck: Drawings from Chatsworth House has taken 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. Visitors can 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 is 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 includes 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 is making 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 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.”