CAPITAL
Merchants in Venice and Amsterdam
14.09.2012 – 17.02.2013
Ideas and Capital, Risk and Affluence – these are the central themes of the new exhibition at the National Museum Zurich. The two economic powers of Venice from the 13th century and Amsterdam in the 17th century are used as examples to illustrate how the foundations of our contemporary economic system were laid. Both cities played an important role in the economic and social development of Europe. The rise, golden age and decline of these historic economic powers are exemplary of the central idea of this exhibition: Both cities looked towards the sea, built ships, were involved in overseas trade, suffered losses, took risks, replaced lost ships and made large profits. As they grew more affluent, culture and pleasure became more attractive and interesting than risk. This was the beginning of investments in the display of splendour (buildings, art, furniture, luxury objects).
What appears historic turns out to be surprisingly contemporary.
www.kapital.landesmuseum.ch
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