The museum of contemporary art in Vaduz mounts regularly special exhibitions of works from the Private Collections of the Prince of Liechtenstein and in doing so spans a bridge to the world of the Old Masters.

Horse breeding was an important source of economic and socio-political prestige for the House of Liechtenstein, especially as of the sixteenth century. Horses from Liechtenstein were much sought after for use in exchange for works of art, they were popular as diplomatic gifts and in this connection – solely from a material viewpoint – were of great value. In their hey-day, the studs in Eisgrub, Feldsberg and Lundenburg had between 600 and 800 animals, including working horses, most of them valuable thoroughbreds which were prized above all for their strength.

The high standing of the horse can also be seen in the Princely Collections. Johann Georg and Philipp Ferdinand von Hamilton captured the unmistakable Liechtenstein horses in almost life-size, and many of the House's rulers had themselves portrayed on horseback. L. de Witte highlighted the beauty of the horses in precious small painted copper panels, almost like miniatures; the great pride of the horses' owners is evident, as is the considerable effort invested in caring for them.

The exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein showcases the many and varied depictions of the horse in the Princely Collections. Paintings, sculptures and prints communicate the great passion of the princely family for fine horses. These works of art bear striking witness to the past, and their close observation enables us to estimate the meaning these noble animals used to have.

The exhibition Das Glück dieser Erde … is organised by the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna, and curated by Dr. Johann Kräftner, Director of the Princely Collections, Vaduz and the Liechtenstein Museum, Vienna.

More pictures to this exhibition

  • «Das Glück dieser Erde ...»
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger Photography, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • «Das Glück dieser Erde ...»
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger Photography, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • «Das Glück dieser Erde ...»
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger Photography, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • «Das Glück dieser Erde ...»
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger Photography, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Opening
  • Thu, 5.3.2009
    18.00
  • Guided tours
  • Sun, 5.4.2009
    11.00
  • Sun, 3.5.2009
    11.00
  • Thu, 25.6.2009
    18.00
  • Thu, 10.9.2009
    18.00
  • Thu, 15.10.2009
    18.00
  • Thu 5.3.

    Opening

    "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
  • Sun 5.4.

    Guided tour

    "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
    with Robin Hemmer
  • Thu 30.4.

    Take Away

    Take Away to "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
    short guided tour during the lunch break
  • Sun 3.5.

    Guided tour

    "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
    with Johann Kräftner
  • Thu 7.5.

    Discussion

    Mensch und Pferd als Partner
    with Christine Stückelberger, dressage rider, and Martin Hilti, veterinarian
  • Thu 25.6.

    Guided tour

    "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
    with Robin Hemmer
  • Thu 10.9.

    Guided tour

    "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
    with Robin Hemmer
  • Thu 17.9.

    Lecture

    Der Lipizzaner: Gestern - heute - morgen
    with Elisabeth Gürtler-Mauthner, entrepreneuse and manager of the Spanish Riding School, Vienna
  • Thu 24.9.

    Take Away

    Take Away to "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
    short guided tour during the lunch break
  • Thu 15.10.

    Guided tour

    "Das Glück dieser Erde..."
    with Robin Hemmer