With the exhibition “Fragments of a Life — The Hans-Hasso von Veltheim Collection”, the Moritzburg Art Museum offers a unique insight into the life and work of an extraordinary collector, mediator and world traveller. Hans-Hasso von Veltheim (1885–1956) united a fascinating biography in his person: high nobility, Zeppelin airship pilot, art historian, publisher and heir to Ostrau Castle and Estate near Halle (Saale). Inspired by art and culture from an early age, he amassed a remarkable collection of European and Asian works over many years — a reflection of his international contacts and diverse interests.
The exhibition not only sheds light on the poles of European art and Asian culture, but also focuses on the close relationships with contemporary artists. Following Veltheim’s expropriation and the transfer of his collection to the Moritzburg Art Museum, the treasure was restituted in 2008 and returned on permanent loan in 2019. The history behind the more than 700 works of art is now being comprehensively researched and presented to the public for the first time. The show also tells of the personal and social losses — and provides an impressive example of the challenges of modernism in the 20th century.
