Estense Art Gallery
The Palazzo dei Musei is home to the works
owned by the House of Este
It houses the Estense Art Gallery, where works of art belonging to the dukes of the House of Este are displayed, together with others acquired over the last 200 years. It was set up in 1854 by Francis V of Hapsburg-Este and came to its current location in 1894. The members of the Este dynasty were avid collectors of valuable works of intellect, paintings, marble sculpture, majolica, medals and even musical instruments.
The major works on display include La Pietà di Cima by Conegliano, the Madonna col Bambino by Correggio and the marble bust of Francis I of Este by Bernini.
The major works on display include La Pietà di Cima by Conegliano, the Madonna col Bambino by Correggio and the marble bust of Francis I of Este by Bernini.
TRACES OF PATRONS FROM OTHER ERAS
The dukes of the House of Este held one of Europe’s most celebrated courts, hosting the major artists and writers of the era, such as Piero della Francesca, Rogier van der Weyden, Giovanni Bellini, Andrea Mantegna, Tiziano, Cosmè Tura, Dosso Dossi, Benvenuto Tisi da Garofalo, Ludovico Ariosto and Torquato Tasso. .
Much has been lost over the centuries. One example is the collection of ancient and medieval gold coins, of which three hundred now remain at the Estense Art Gallery but which, according to an inventory taken in the mid-sixteenth century by Ercole II, originally numbered in their thousands.
Much has been lost over the centuries. One example is the collection of ancient and medieval gold coins, of which three hundred now remain at the Estense Art Gallery but which, according to an inventory taken in the mid-sixteenth century by Ercole II, originally numbered in their thousands.
