Holger Schuckelt – författare

The Türckische Cammer once owned by the Electors of Saxony is one of the most important collections of its kind worldwide. Unlike the so-called 'Turkish Booty' of the late 7th century, the Electors amassed an exotic collection over several centuries that had little to do with the looting engaged in by Saxon troops on campaigns against the Ottoman Empire. Much more important for this collection, which goes back to the th century, were diplomatic presents, an active acquisitions policy and works executed on commission. With the re-opening of the Türckische Cammer after a lapse of nearly seventy years, Dresden has gained another world-class museum to complement the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and the Green Vault. In a survey of the collection, which is, of course, much larger, the catalogue showcases fifty choice pieces from the Ottoman period, featuring costumes, showy weapons and exquisite oriental equestrian accoutrements.

German editionSince the 16th century, Dresden’s Royal Palace has been a venue for glittering balls, masquerades, and rituals of political power. In the restored banquet halls, the Rüstkammer (Armoury) presents works of art belonging to the most precious relics of European festive culture. In the Großer Ballsaal (Great Ballroom), the sun mask of Augustus the Strong, silver armour, imaginative insignia, horses with sumptuous riding equipment, and a sleigh decorated with hundreds of bells are reminders of magnificent festive celebrations. Symbols of power take centre stage in the Propositionssaal (Proposition Hall): Insignia ranging from the electoral hat and coronation mantle to medals and busts of Saxon monarchs are on display in the place where Saxony’s first constitution was proclaimed in 1831. The collection, which has undergone extensive restoration in recent years, is being presented for the first time in this dedicated publication.Internationally unique testimony to festive culture and the representation of power from the 16th to the 19th centuryPermanent exhibition in the Armoury of Dresden’s Royal Palace, starting in March 2026: "Masks and Crowns – Festive Culture and Representation of Power"