The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum is delighted to host Titian’s Diana and Actaeon on this the last stop on its special Scottish tour, marking the first anniversary of the nation’s acquisition of this magnificent painting. The painting will be unveiled to the Dundee public on Friday 6 August and runs until Sunday 5 September 2010.
Titan Diana and Actaeon
This is the last chance to see this painting in the UK before it travels to America as part of the exhibition Venetian Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland. This will tour to Atlanta, Minneapolis and Houston before returning to the UK late in 2011.
Titian is one of the most influential artists of all time. His exceptional handling of paint, bold use of colour and original approach to subject matter had a huge impact on generations of painters. This is a unique opportunity to see this masterpiece of European painting in Dundee. It is part of the National Galleries of Scotland’s commitment to bring great art to as many people as possible across the country.
The painting was acquired for the nation by the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery in London in February 2009 following a large scale public and private fundraising campaign. Diana and Actaeon was bought for £50m with generous contributions from the Scottish Government, The National Heritage Memorial Fund, The Monument Trust, The Art Fund (with a contribution from the Wolfson Foundation) and through public appeal, 2009.
Professor Peter Humfrey of the University of St Andrews, one of the world’s leading experts on Titian and Venetian Art, will give an illustrated lecture on Titian’s ‘Diana and Actaeon’ on Thursday 12 August at 6.30pm. He will discuss the circumstances of the painting’s original commission, its dramatic subject and why it was so important to save it for the nation. Places are free but are limited and must be booked in advance by contacting The McManus on 01382 307200. John Leighton, Director-General of the NGS said “The successful campaign to acquire Titian’s ‘Diana and Actaeon’ brought one of the great masterpieces of Western art into public ownership. This tour is enabling audiences across Scotland to experience the power and magic of this great painting at first hand.”
Dundee City Council leisure, arts and communities convener Bob Duncan said “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious national acquisition within the newly restored McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum. It is important that we bring the very best to the city to complement the nationally recognised collections we hold on behalf of the citizens of Dundee and indeed the nation. The National Galleries are to be congratulated on this initiative of bringing this work to the people of Scotland.
Admission to the exhibition is free.
Opening hours:
Mon to Sat 10am – 5pm
Sun 12.30-4.30pm
Last entry is 15 minutes before gallery closing time.
For further information contact The McManus on (01382) 307200.
www.mcmanus.co.uk