“Imagine a treasure trove brimming with centuries of art” whispers the Cabinet des Estampes et des Dessins. This isn’t just a museum it’s a repository of history. Located at 5 place du Château it holds a collection of graphic art from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
Founded at the end of the 19th century it initially complemented the Musée des Beaux-Arts’ paintings. It slowly became independent. Today it’s one of Strasbourg’s most significant paper art collections. It boasts drawings and engravings from Italian Northern and Germanic schools. These works resonate with the Musée des Beaux-Arts’ collection.
The Cabinet des Estampes et des Dessins also houses designs and drawings of goldsmithery. These evoke Strasbourg’s rich craft tradition since the 18th century. They complement the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ collection. The museum’s documentary collections include views of Strasbourg and Alsace. These feature portraits of famous Alsatians enriching the Musée Historique’s collection.
A noteworthy collection of popular imagery and 19th-century Alsatian lithographs enhances our understanding of popular arts and traditions. This section complements the Musée Alsaciens. Wilhelm von Bode established the collection in 1890. He was instrumental in rebuilding and reorganizing the city’s art collections. The Cabinet des Estampes et des Dessins collection is vast. As of 2015 it housed an estimated 200291 pieces. In 2019 it received a significant donation of 33 drawings and 5 engravings. These pieces are from artists like Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo Jean-Honoré Fragonard Jacques Callot and Rembrandt.
The Cabinet des Estampes et des Dessins is a place for serious study. Access is by appointment only. Its treasures deserve this care. The works on paper sometimes over 500 years old need special attention. This ensures their preservation for generations to come. So book your appointment today. Discover the magic of the Cabinet des Estampes et des Dessins. You won’t regret it.