Most significant new acquisition for 2021

Sculpture by Berlinde De Bruyckere on permanent loan to the Stiftung Hamburger Kunstsammlungen

The recently acquired sculpture "Arcangelo II" (Archangel) by the Belgian artist Berlinde De Bruyckere (*1964) is permeated with references to literature, classical mythology and Christian iconography. Contemporary themes such as universal human suffering, violence and loneliness also resonate. The sculpture was created during the pandemic and draws on the biblical figure of the archangel for the image of a protective companion. Due to its high positioning on a wooden base, the figure seems to hover above us, but is of human, not supernatural body size. It leans forward, creating an unstable pose. Its face, head and almost the entire body are veiled, her identity thus hidden. The only visible detail are the tremendously realistically modelled feet, naked and worn. Full of scratches and bruises, they tell of a rough, merciless visit to earth. The sculpture "Arcangelo II" is an impressive, touching work that addresses existential themes such as humanity, physicality, vulnerability and vitality and adds original and contemporary aspects to the traditional iconography.

 

The sculpture of Berlinde De Bruyckere is a guest in the rooms of the Old Masters from November 30, 2021. Multiple references and dialogues across the centuries are the concern of this artistic intervention curated by Dr Brigitte Kölle, Head of the Contemporary Art Collection.