The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) Foundation's 2013 Appeal has successfully raised funds to complete the Gallery's set of the rare Renaissance prints The Apocalypse, by master German painter, draftsman and printmaker Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528).
QAGOMA Director Chris Saines said the Appeal reached its target in less than two months thanks to the outstanding generosity of Foundation members and other donors.
'The significant support of Win Schubert, the Airey family and Margaret Mittelheuser, AM and Cathryn Mittelheuser, AM has been central to the success of the Appeal,' Mr Saines said.
'Mrs Schubert's contribution is the latest in a 25-year history of giving to the Gallery which has also recently included a suite of major paintings by Ian Fairweather, through the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Foundation for the Arts, and a substantial gift to the 2010 Foundation appeal, through the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Diversity Foundation, which secured for the Collection a group of banumbirr (Morning Star) poles from Elcho Island.
'Dr Ian and Mrs Judeen Airey and family, who have previously contributed funds to the acquisition of European art for QAGOMA, kick-started the 2013 Appeal with support to acquire Dürer's The Virgin Appearing to St John 1511 and The Opening of the Seventh Seal 1511 earlier in the year. They have since generously offered further support to ensure the Gallery's ability to complete the series.
'Margaret Mittelheuser, AM and Cathryn Mittelheuser, AM are two longstanding supporters of the Gallery, who together have enabled the acquisition of many important works, including several by female Indigenous Australian artists.'
Mr Saines said Dürer's compelling masterpiece The Apocalypse — 16 woodcuts interpreting the texts of the Book of Revelation — is a transformative work in the history of art and one of the most noteworthy contributions to the northern European Renaissance.
QAGOMA Foundation President Tim Fairfax AM said the 2013 Appeal had completed a wonderful story of benefaction that began in 1949 when nine woodcuts from the series were donated to the Queensland Art Gallery by Selina Rivers, widow of much loved Queensland artist Godfrey Rivers.
'This year's Appeal has been a shining example of the long term importance of benefaction to the Gallery's Collection-building, and I extend my sincere thanks to all our donors,' Mr Fairfax said.
'The Apocalypse' is on display at QAG until Sunday July 21.
Since it was established in 1979, the Foundation has raised more than $82 million, enabling the acquisition of over 6000 works and providing vital support to the development of the Gallery's Collection, exhibitions and programs.
For more information visit qagoma.qld.gov.au/foundation |
