The multifaceted collections of applied art feature works dating from the Renaissance to early modernism. The Princely Treasury contains precious items from cabinets of curiosities such as goldsmith and silversmith works, most of which come from the possession of Hesse’s landgraves and grand dukes. The world of knights comes to life in the Hall of Arms and Armour. A further department, where the unique “Darmstadt Waistcoats” from the 17th-century are also on display, features skilfully designed and executed utilitarian objects – glass vessels, ceramics, furniture and musical instruments – from over three centuries.
Applied Art after 1500
Georg Fronmiller (?), Tortoise automaton, c. 1610