A GREAT DISPLAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17146, 31 December 1929, Page 11

A GREAT DISPLAY

ITALIAN ART TREASURES EXHIBITION IN LONDON ,(Elec. Tel. Copyright—-United I'ivss Assn.) [(Received December 31, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 30. The collection of Italian pictures which London owes primarily to the generous enthusiasm of Signor Mussolini, opened at Burlington House, proves a must remarkable selection of art objects. The only fear is that the very perfection of the collection may defeat its own ends. The first day's crowd was of such dimensions that thousands were turned away. Those lucky enough to reach the galleries had the greatest difficulties in seeing the treasures. .Every phase of Renaissance painting, from Duccio, in the thirteenth century, to Tiepolo in the eighteenth century, . is represented. There is an astonishing series of fifteenth and sixteenth century masterpieces displayed. Hanging in the centre of the gallery is Giorgiqne's "Tempest," the most valuable picture in the world, and insured for £SOO,GuO. There is a wonderful series of portraits of Christ and the crucifixion.

The centra! gallery exhibits number 1000, 300 of which are from famous British collections. The others are from Italy, Europe, and America. Three kings, King George V., King Gustavus of Sweden, and King Emanuel of Italy contributed to the exhibition. The profits which arc likely to bo a record, will be divided between the British national arts collections fund and similar societies in Italy. /