Torgau. Home of the Renaissance and Reformation

Exhibition of the Dresden State Art Collections – Armoury

Precious objects from the Armoury of the Dresden State Art Collections, exhibited alongside works of art from the Green Vault and the Museum of Decorative Arts, create a vivid impression of the wealth and luxury of the Electoral Saxon court.

Collaboration with the Dresden State Art Collections

The exhibition “Torgau: Residence of the Renaissance and Reformation” transports visitors back to the era of electoral rule at Hartenfels Castle, from the mid-16th century to the end of the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Following the transfer of the title of Elector from the Ernestines to the Albertines in 1547, Torgau lost its status as the principal residence to Dresden. Yet, as the most important secondary residence – boasting a magnificent Renaissance castle of European standing in the heart of a thriving market town – Torgau offered ideal conditions for hosting princely weddings, courtly festivities, political gatherings and provincial assemblies.

The reign of Elector Johann Georg I

Elector Johann Georg I of Saxony (1585/1611–1656) paid particular attention to Torgau. His second marriage (1607) and the wedding of his eldest daughter (1627) took place at Hartenfels Castle. Courtly festivities reached new heights and took centre stage in matters of prestige. Alongside tournaments, masquerades, banquets, fireworks and musical and theatrical performances, hunting also served as a source of entertainment and a means of electoral self-staging. Elaborately decorated weapons, including hunting arms and accessories for the ‘noble’ hunter, portraits of princes and precious items from the cabinet of curiosities bring the reign of Elector Johann Georg I to life, vividly illustrating the splendour and wealth of the electoral court.

The presentation is a joint collaboration between the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD), the municipality of Torgau and the administrative district of North Saxony.