Rüstkammer Dresden: Masks and Crowns – Festival Culture and Representation of Power [9783422803114]

Overview

English edition

Since the 16th century, Dresden’s Royal Palace has been a venue for glittering balls, masquerades, and rituals of political power. In the restored banquet halls, the Rüstkammer (Armoury) presents works of art belonging to the most precious relics of European festive culture. In the Großer Ballsaal (Great Ballroom), the sun mask of Augustus the Strong, silver armour, imaginative insignia, horses with sumptuous riding equipment, and a sleigh decorated with hundreds of bells are reminders of magnificent festive celebrations. Symbols of power take centre stage in the Propositionssaal (Proposition Hall): Insignia ranging from the electoral hat and coronation mantle to medals and busts of Saxon monarchs are on display in the place where Saxony’s first constitution was proclaimed in 1831. The collection, which has undergone extensive restoration in recent years, is being presented for the first time in this dedicated publication.

• Internationally unique testimony to festive culture and the representation of power from the 16th to the 19th century
• Permanent exhibition in the Armoury of Dresden’s Royal Palace, starting in March 2026: "Masks and Crowns – Festive Culture and Representation of Power"