06.12.2025 – 27.04.2026
In the final months before its closure at the end of April 2026, the Residenzgalerie Salzburg is once again showcasing the splendour of its holdings in response to the change of plans in the ‘DomQuartier NEU’ construction project. The most popular paintings in the collection are on display under the title Bestsellers. To determine the public’s favourites, recent access data to digital offerings such as the online collection was evaluated, as were sales figures for merchandising items such as art postcards. The presentation of the bestsellers reflects, on the one hand, the academic view of the five genres of painting that have developed over the centuries. Historically, a distinction was made between genres with ‘high prestige’ and those with ‘low prestige’. From the 17th to the 19th century, history painting was considered the most distinguished genre. Portrait painting came second, followed by the ‘low genres’ of genre painting, landscape painting and still life painting. On the other hand, the exhibition curated by Astrid Ducke and Thomas Habersatter reflects the tastes of the buyers of paintings, who often held a different opinion. This tendency is also evident in the access data and sales figures collected.
Bestseller. Public favourites
06.12.2025 – 27.04.2026
DomQuartier Salzburg
Residenzplatz 1/Domplatz 1a
5020 Salzburg
www.domquartier.at
