Chris and l are National Gallery of Victoria members and as such attended a preview of this exhibition where we saw paintings by Italian, French, Dutch and Flemish masters including Rubens, Rembrandt and Titian.There are over 400 works in the exhibition. The collection was compiled by Catherine the Great during the 1760s and 70s. The Hermitage was the first such institution open to the public (at least that is to society) and the first institution to produce a catalogue for the collection. Many of the paintings on display are huge; but for me l appreciated more the intimate paintings by Rubens and Rembrandt.
Go here for a selection of my favourite pieces from the exhibition.