Old Masters Collection

The Old Masters Collection of the Slovak National Gallery comprises artworks dating from the 13th century to the end of the 19th century. Development of this collection was a principal priority from the outset of the gallery's operation, and in the context of cultural policy of the 1950s, it is noteworthy that it did not focus solely on Slovak art and art in Slovakia. The core of the collection was always primarily formed through purchases and donations, although some artefacts were acquired by confiscations based on the Beneš decrees or by transfers from various institutions. Appropriate acquisition, conservation, and interpretation practices have been applied to processing of the artworks, whether at Zvolen Castle, Mansion Strážky, or SNG headquarters in Bratislava.