Prestigious Liechtenstein collection now on show
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Peter Paul Rubens’s “The Discovery of the Infant Erichthonius” (circa 1616) is on display at the National Museum of Korea as a part of a special exhibit featuring works of the Liechtenstein Museum. / Courtesy of National Museum of Korea
By Baek Byung-yeul
At about a quarter the size of Seoul, Liechtenstein, the world’s sixth-smallest country, is located in Central Europe with an estimated population of 37,000.
Bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north, the alpine country has the flagship Liechtenstein Museum known for its masterpieces owned by the ruling Princely Family of Liechtenstein.
The National Museum of Korea (NMK) provides a rare glimpse of the prestigious museum’s possessions including Rubens’ paintings from 17th century Europe.
With the long-winded title of “Paintings, Sculptures and Objects of the Prince of Liechtenstein: Rubens and Other Masters,” the special exhibition features the Liechtenstein Museum’s 120 artworks ranging from paintings, sculptures and crafts to prints and tapestries. The NMK said this is the first example of a cultural exchange between Korea and the tiny principality, adding that the exhibition especially sheds light on the works of Rubens and his contemporaries, including van Dyck and Jordaens, who were active in the 17th century.
The exhibition offers insight into the circumstances of 17th century Europe, a time when all the powers of Europe were seeking to expand governmental authority in the midst of various religious and political conflicts. Rapid development of commerce and trade led to the emergence of the new bourgeois class at the same time.
The most notable piece in the exhibit would probably be “Portrait of Clarara Serena Rubens,” a portrait of a child, who is in fact Rubens’ five-year-old daughter who died very young.
“This painting looks imperfect at first glance as the clothing part is hastily painted. But this is what the painter intended as he concentrated on painting his daughter’s face only,” NMK curator Baik Seung-mi said at the press opening, Friday. “As the painting was created for private use and not for sale, this work has a significant meaning because there is only one purpose of production ― Rubens’ love towards his daughter.”
Another important work of Rubens on display is “Finding of Erichthonius by Kekrops’ Daughters.” Measuring 218 cm by 317 cm, Rubens depicted Ancient Greek mythology revolving around Erichthonius, born from semen of smith-god Hephaestus, and how he was discovered by the three curious daughters of Cecrops, the king of Athens.
The exhibition runs until April 10. The museum is located near exit 4 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and the Jungang Line. Tickets cost 5,000 won for children, 8,000 won for elementary school student, 11,000 won for middle and high school students and college students and 13,000 won for adults. For more information, visit
or call 1688-9891.