The making of the exhibition
Creating an exhibition of this magnitude is a complex and detailed process. Nethersole, who previously curated at the National Gallery, explains, "We have been planning this exhibition for four or five years, which is not that unusual for the planning of an exhibition. It is done with Per Rumberg, a curator who was at the Royal Academy, now at the National Gallery. We have worked together for a long time."
The process involves extensive research, securing loans from various institutions, and meticulous planning to ensure the artworks are displayed in a way that tells a cohesive story. "It took a week to hang the show, although it took years for us and our colleagues at the Royal Academy to bring it all together," Nethersole adds. Each piece must be carefully condition-checked upon arrival, and the layout is planned with precision to ensure the artworks are safe and presented in the best possible light.
The exhibition features extraordinary loans from prestigious collections across Europe, including the British Museum, the Louvre, Boijmans van Beuningen and Teyler’s Museum. Notably, the Leonardo drawings from the King Charles’ collection in England, the largest in the world, are a significant highlight.
The Burlington House Cartoon
Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo serves as the starting point for this exhibition, but equally important was the loan of the Burlington House Cartoon from the National Gallery, London. This large-scale drawing, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is exceptional for several reasons. Traditionally, cartoons were practical tools used to transfer designs onto walls or panels for frescoes or paintings. However, this cartoon has been preserved in an unfinished state and offers a rare glimpse into Leonardo's creative process. “The cartoon is extraordinarily large and detailed and has only been loaned twice in its history, making its inclusion in this exhibition a significant event,” Nethersole explained.
The work was created in the first decade of the sixteenth century, a period when the republic flourished in Florence, which created fertile ground for artistic innovation. Moreover, Leonardo, Michelangelo and the young Raphael were in the city at the same time. The exhibition shows how these three artists exchanged ideas and communicated with each other through their artworks.
Promoting collaboration and research
This exhibition is not just about celebrating the past; it also aims to foster future collaborations. Nethersole encourages partnerships between Radboud University's researchers and the heritage sector, particularly museum curators. Such collaborations can lead to innovative exhibitions and further research, enriching both academic and public understanding of art history.
Museums interested in exploring collaborative opportunities are invited to contact our faculty via email: samenwerken [at] let.ru.nl (samenwerken[at]let[dot]ru[dot]nl).
The exhibition ‘Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael’ can be visited until 16 February 2025 at the Royal Academy in London. Tickets are available on the website of the Royal Academy.