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Italian Art in the Royal Collection

Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle

AN EXHIBITION, the first of its kind for 40 years, Italian Art in the Royal Collection, is on display in The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace until January 20, 2008.

The exhibition brings together 90 paintings and 85 drawings from royal palaces across Britain – many acquired by Charles I who, during his lifetime, built up a collection to rival that of any contemporary European court.

Although the collection was sold after the Civil War, a significant number of works were reclaimed by Charles II after the Restoration of the Monarchy.

These included paintings by Caravaggio, Tintoretto and Titian; as well as newly acquired drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo. The collection was further enlarged by succeeding monarchs.

For more information or to view the exhibition online, visit The Royal Collection website.