23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Edinburgh to host 'rare' Renaissance sketch collection
The full collection includes 80 sketches by 57 different artists.
Lauren Porter, curator of Drawing the Italian Renaissance in Edinburgh, said:
'The Royal Collection holds one of the finest collections of Italian Renaissance drawings, many of which were acquired during the reign of Charles II.
"The drawings cannot be on permanent display because of their sensitivity to light, so this exhibition offers a rare and exciting opportunity for visitors to see a wide variety of works from this great collection, many of which are on display in Scotland for the first time.
'Drawings were fundamental to the art of the Renaissance, allowing artists to conceive and explore ideas, refine their designs and to experiment. Being able to view these drawings so closely will give visitors a unique insight into the minds of these great Italian Renaissance artists.'
Two Artists in Residence will be drawing in the Gallery throughout the run, in collaboration with the Edinburgh College of Art.
The oldest drawing in the collection is more than 550 years old, and depicts a young man sitting alongside a sleeping dog. A da Vinci drawing of a curly-haired young man on red paper will be shown in Scotland for the first time.
Visitors receiving Universal Credit or other named benefits will be able to access the gallery for only £1. Further discounted tickets are available for young people and there is half-price entry for children (with under-fives free).
