Grünes Gewölbe: Schach! Fürstliche Spielwelten

Schachspiel, Figuren von Paul Heermann, Dresden um 1705, Brettschatulle von Paul Solanier, Augsburg, um 1705-1709

Chess! Princely Gaming Worlds

Chess is one of the oldest and still one of the best-known and most popular strategy games in the world. The spectacular ceremonial chess set from 1705, which was acquired for the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden with funds from the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of the Green Vault, is also part of this special tradition of gaming culture. The precious new acquisition is a lucky stroke in many ways.

Exhibition Site Grünes Gewölbe

DATES 07/06/2024—20/10/2024

Very few Baroque chess sets of this quality have survived and can be admired in museums. Despite their southern German provenance, the 32 completely preserved ivory and ebony pieces have a direct connection to the Saxon royal residence. They are characterised by their outstanding artistic quality and distinctive individual design. The 64 squares of the decorative chessboard are made up of tortoiseshell and green-coloured ivory plates with silver inlays. The abundance of precious materials characterises the game as a high-quality and exceptional example of Baroque treasure art.

The acquisition of the artwork is now the occasion for a cabinet exhibition in the Sponsel Room of the Neues Grünes Gewölbe. In addition to the materiality and history of the magnificent chess set, the exhibition also focuses on the Dresden Baroque sculptor Paul Heermann, who created several large-format marble sculptures and various small ivory sculptures in Dresden, as well as the figures of the chess set. The contrasting depiction of the opposing white and black parties also reveals a great deal about the world view and understanding of Europeans in the 18th century.