Munich Pinakothek: Acquisition of Hans Baldung Grien

Alte Pinakothek presents a significant new acquisition

The Bavarian State Painting Collections have acquired an outstanding painting from the early 16th century - The purchase of Hans Baldung Grien's "Mary as Queen of Heaven" for the Alte Pinakothek's Old German Painting section is something very special

From 2025, June 5th, this significant new acquisition will be on display as part of the collection presentation "How Pictures Tell Stories - Storytelling from Albrecht Altdorfer to Peter Paul Rubens" - in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich (Deutsch)

Munich. The Bavarian State Painting Collections have acquired an outstanding painting from the early 16th century: Hans Baldung Grien's "Mary as Queen of Heaven." It was one of the last privately owned paintings by this fascinating artist from Dürer's era. The work was acquired with funding from the Pesl Foundation Bavaria, the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation, and the Pinakothek Society. This media release, from which we quote below, reached the editorial team of the art-culture blog yesterday. It's great that the collection has been expanded! We, along with the collection management, are looking forward to the presentation of the painting as part of the exhibition "How Pictures Tell Stories..." starting in June 2025.

Alte Pinakothek bottom right - collage with Pinakothek der Moderne, photo:Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv)

The artist Hans Baldung, known as Grien (1484/85-1545), is one of the most important, yet stylistically most idiosyncratic and original artists of the Renaissance north of the Alps

He came from Albrecht Dürer's Nuremberg workshop and settled in Strasbourg in 1509. His workshop produced a wide range of small-format devotional images, altarpieces, and portraits, as well as mythological and allegorical depictions. His secular, innovative pictorial themes, in addition to his knowledge of established pictorial tradition, demonstrate the influences of humanist thought as well as contemporary theological discourse.

The painting "Mary as Queen of Heaven," newly acquired for Munich,

For stylistic reasons, it can be dated to around 1516/18. The high altar of Freiburg Cathedral, a prestigious major commission for Grien, was also created during these years. He then returned to Strasbourg. It is therefore likely one of the artist's earliest explorations of the subject in the medium of panel painting.

Markus Blume, Minister of State for Science and the Arts, Free State of Bavaria:

"A heavenly addition to Bavaria: Hans Baldung Grien's 'Maria als Himmelskönigin' becomes a Munich resident! We owe the fact that we can permanently admire this outstanding work of Early German painting in the Alte Pinakothek thanks in large part to the work of Maja and Rudolf Pesl. Without much fanfare, the Pesls have quietly shaped Munich's art world, and they have already donated fantastic treasures to Bavaria's art collections in the past. 'Maria als Himmelskönigin' is the first acquisition for the Alte Pinakothek significantly supported by the Pesl Foundation Bavaria – but by no means the last. The Pesl Foundation will continue to facilitate acquisitions for the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, as well as the Bavarian National Museum, in the future. Our gratitude also goes to two other strong partners – the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation and the Pinakothek Association, who once again provided generous support for this acquisition. Patronage has a long tradition in Bavaria – we're proud of that! Together we make great art possible!"

Dr. Thomas Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Pesl Foundation Bavaria:

"The acquisition of Hans Baldung's "Mary as Queen of Heaven" is entirely in keeping with the founder's vision, who, through the foundation's narrow purpose, wanted to ensure the sustainable support of museums through acquisitions of the highest quality. It not only complements the collection, but will enrich it. Being able to acquire such an outstanding work is a rare stroke of luck. Making this possible was both an obligation and a joy for us."

Dr. Martin Hoernes, Secretary General of the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation:

"A superlative acquisition: Hans Baldung, a creative, educated Renaissance man, gave the Queen of Heaven a painterly perfection, striking in color, divine, and sensual appearance. Compliments to the scholars of the State Painting Collections who courageously pursued this acquisition, and to the co-sponsors, who once again demonstrate how important private commitment is for our museums."

Princess Elisabeth zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, Chairwoman of the Pinakothek Association:

"The Pinakothek Association, supported by strong civic engagement, is delighted to have made this important acquisition for the Alte Pinakothek possible together with the two foundations."

Anton Biebl, Interim Director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections:

"The acquisition of Hans Baldung Grien's 'Mary as Queen of Heaven' for the Alte Pinakothek's Old German Painting section is something very special. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Pesl Foundation, the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation, and the Pinakothek Association.

We can celebrate today for another special reason, as from now on we know that the Pesl Foundation is another important partner at the Alte Pinakothek's side. This partnership will enable us to develop an acquisition strategy to consolidate the world-famous collection to the highest standards."

 

 

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