This collection comprises works of the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. Among them are a small number of preparatory drawings for paintings, tapestries and stained glass windows dating from the sixteenth century. The inventory of works dating from the period around 1600 is more abundant, including examples by such masters of Dutch Mannerism as Hendrick Goltzius and Jacques de Gheyn II. The highlights include depictions of landscape and topography, the works of Roelant Savery, the »Komplex Anonymousus Fabriczy« and the Master of the Sketchbook of the Electoral Palatinate. A few drawings from the hands of the great seventeenth-century masters are also included, Jacob Jordaens representing the »Flemish Baroque« and Rembrandt the art of Holland’s »Golden Age.« Here as well, realistic landscape depictions form the main focus.

All Netherlandish centres of graphic art are documented in the collection. The earliest works - dating from the first half of the sixteenth century - include engravings by such artists as Lucas van Leyden or, for example, rare woodcuts by Jacob Cornelisz van Amsterdam and Jan Swart van Groningen. Works of the engraver families Sadeler, Wierix and de Passe testify to the immense production of the period around 1600. Among the highlights are master engravings by Cornelis Cort and Hendrick Goltzius, the most important graphic artist of his time, as well as prints by his pupils and successors. A closer look is taken at a selection of these works in the catalogue »Der Welt Lauf. Allegorische Graphikserien des Manierismus« which is also the subject of an interactive presentation on this website. In addition to themes of Dutch art - landscape and everyday life -, the seventeenth century is represented by an entire complex of »Rubens Graphics.« The collection’s most precious gems are the etchings of Rembrandt, of which it is proud to possess several especially brilliant examples.