Sculptures

The collection of sculptures reflects the interests of the court collectors who surrounded themselves with high-quality works of art. A variety of themes from classical antiquity, mythology, scenes from Christianity, as well as portraits of contemporaries were executed in a variety of different materials. Representational everyday objects, which were, however, not intended for practical use, were coveted collectors’ items.

Wood

The main work in this collection of wood sculptures is a figure of Eve, signed by Leonard Kern, with the matching figure of Adam. Another remarkable work is the figure of the Man of Sorrows. This sculpture of the martyred Christ was created by Zacharias Hegewald. There is also a number of chess figures, impressively carved as mini sculptures and a cup made from birch bark. As evidence of woodturning as a princely pastime, a foot bowl made by Duke Augustus Wilhelm has been preserved.

Works in stone

This collection area comprises important busts of the Dukes of Brunswick, created by Balthasar Permoser and Bartolomeo Cavaceppi, but also small alabaster sculptures, many of which were created in the environment of the court in Wolfenbüttel in the 18^th century. A special feature of this collection are the inlaid stone works by Johann Leonhard Franck, who used colored stones, applied to slate with wax, to create three-dimensional still lifes. Other works in the collection include Florentine mosaics and Scagliola (stucco marble). An inventory catalogue was published in 2019.