Mirror of the World exhibition: the Musée du Luxembourg unveils Prince-electors of Saxony’s treasures - Pictures

Art collections used to be a sign or power and Prince-electors of Saxony were willing to show their power to their enemies. From September 14, 2022, to January 15, 2023, the Musée du Luxembourg unveils the masterpieces from the Dresden cabinet of curiosities with the “Mirror of the World” exhibition.

In Europe, between the 16^th and the 18^th centuries, wars of power used to take place on the battlefield and on the artistic scene! Owning the most beautiful works of arts of one’s era shows the whole wealth and power of a sovereign. And that game, the prince-electors of Saxony really wanted to win it! These powerful sovereigns – who ruled on one of the States of the Holy Roman Empire – accumulated incredible treasures now displayed by the Musée du Luxembourg.

In the 6th arrondissement, discover masterpieces from the Dresden cabinet of curiosities through the “Mirror of the World” exhibition, running from September 14, 2022 to January 15, 2023.

The Musée du Luxembourg shines a light on about a hundred exceptional pieces and works collected between the 16^th and 18^th centuries, including art items, instruments and scientific books, natural materials and ethnographic objects. These collections of an incredible richness show the power, as well as the education of these sovereigns competing with the European courts.

The “Mirror of the World” exhibition allows us to admire these pieces from all over the world, exchanged during trips and visits. Each piece has been selected for its quality and the exceptional know-how given pride of place. The choice of these objects also reflects the tastes and looks of European nobles on the foreign art industry.

The Musée du Luxembourg opens its doors to the Kunstkammer or “cabinet of curiosities”, the first collection in Europe to welcome the general public and shine a light on the treasures kept in this place of knowledge and education.

The exhibition also makes yesterday’s and today’s pieces dialog, by drawing ties between historic items and contemporary artists’ creations given pride of place during this compelling exhibition. Lots of pieces are explained on boards on the walls: learn more about how they travel across the world, their influence on the then-societies and the stereotypes about non-EU populations.

The exhibition surprises and charms us from the very beginning with huge pieces, treasures incredibly delicate and colorful staging playing on reflection and lights.

Let us meet at the Musée du Luxembourg to admire masterpieces from the prince-electors of Saxony!