ART EXHIBITION

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1930, Page 8

ART EXHIBITION

ITAI /lAN MASTERPIECES,

LONDON, December 31. The collection of Italian pictures, which London owes primarily to the generous enthusiasm of Signor Mussolini, and which has been opened at Burlington House, proves to be a most remarkable selection of art objects. The only fear is that the very perfection of the collection may defeat its own ends. The first day’s crowd was of such dimensions that thousands were turned 'away. Those lucky enough to reach the galleries had the greatest difficulty in seeing the treasures. Every phase of Renaissance painting from Duccio of the thirteenth centfiry to Tiepolo of the eighteenth century is represented. There is an astonishing series of fifteenth and sixteenth century masterpieces, flanging in the central gallery is Giorgione’s “Tempest,” the most valuable picture in the world, which is insured for £500,0(H) Another feature is the wonderful series of portraits of Christ and the Cruicifixion. Exhibits in the central gallery niimb>r 1000, three hundred of which are from famous British collections. Others are from Italy, Europe and America. Three kings, George V., Gustavos of Sweden, and Emmanuel of Italy have contributed to the exhibition. The profits, which are likely to bo a record will be divided between the British National Arts Collection ‘Kuncl and similar societies in Italy.