Stiftung Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesmuseen Schloß Gottorf and the Gallery
Flowers and World Views
In 2013 the SMK presents the exhibition Flowers and World Views. Taking its point of departure in the Gottorfer Codex, an album of flower paintings, the exhibition shows how 17th and 18th century artists translated flowers into pictures. The Gottorfer Codex is a unique collection comprising a total of four volumes, all hailing from the library at Gottorf Castle. The work consists entirely of paintings of flowers, shrubs, and fruit and is one of the museum’s highlights.
Extensive conservation work
When Denmark conquered the Duchy of Gottorf in 1713 in connection with the Great Northern War many cultural treasures fell into Danish ownership. The famous Kunstkammer (cabinet of curiosities) and the extensive library at Gottorf Castle were both shipped to Denmark, where they were housed at the Royal Library. The numerous important treasures from the library included the Gottorfer Codex.
The work was not sufficiently protected during all its years in Danish possession, and unsuitable storage has threatened to destroy the work. The exhibition Flowers and World Views and the restoration of the Gottorfer Codex prompted a partnership with Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesmuseen, Schloss Gottorf, which contributed funds towards the restoration work and staged an exhibition of selected parts of the album at Gottorf Castle from April 2009 to October 2011.
The museum is grateful to Stiftung Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesmuseen Schloss Gottorf for being amongst the partners enabling us to welcome visitors to an exhibition of floral splendour.
