World culture: Exhibition “Willem II – King of Art”, organized by the State Hermitage Museum, held in the Netherlands

Until June 15, 2014 in the City Museum of Dordrecht (the Netherlands), is held the exhibition "Willem II - King of Art", organized by the State Hermitage Museum.

Almost in the same structure with the exhibit titled "Willem II and Anna Pavlovna. The Royal luxury of the Dutch court" was held at the Hermitage in cross-year of Holland in Russia and Russia in Holland. The exhibition was organized by the State Hermitage Museum in conjunction with the City of Dordrecht (the Netherlands), the Royal Meeting of the Netherlands (the Hague, the Netherlands) and City Art Museum of Luxembourg - Villa Vauban.

The exposition in Dordrecht features paintings, drawings and decorative arts, reflecting the tastes of Willem II as a collector who collected one of the finest art collections in Europe. After his death, the collection was sold at auction. Nicholas I wanted to get the whole thing, but as a result of taking part in the auction via the special representatives on general terms and bought 13 paintings, many of which are still in the permanent exhibition of the State Hermitage Museum. A considerable part of the royal collection of Willem II, first after sale in 1850 gathered together for these shows, is now showing in Holland.