“This Cabinet room was created in 2012 allowing us to show visitors a small but rotating selection of Old Master Drawings for the first time. The light levels are kept low to protect the very fragile works on paper.”
- Stoker, 12th Duke of Devonshire
Created in 2012 for the specific purpose of displaying in themed exhibitions some of the 3000 drawings, mainly collected by the 2nd and 3rd Dukes, this room evokes the feel of a collector’s cabinet of the 18th century. Private spaces for the contemplation of highly prized works of art, natural curiosities or treasured items, cabinets first appeared in the 16th and 17th centuries.
In addition to the changing displays of drawings by celebrated artists such as Raphael (1483-1520), Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) or Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), the room contains a display of 17th century ivories, Limoges enamel and a 16th century dish by Bernard Pallisy (c.1510-c.1590).
Behind the glass screen is a Florentine pietra dura cabinet of the 17th century, its surface covered with mosaic panels in different hardstones. Above it is one of the greatest paintings in the collection, A man in oriental costume (possibly King Uzziah stricken by leprosy), by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). Signed by the artist and dated 1639, it was purchased in 1742 by the 3rd Duke.
Explore more...
Painted Hall
Used to welcome and impress guests, this was the largest and grandest room built by the 1st Duke.
Oak Room
This room was completely changed by the 6th Duke with the wood panelling he bought at an auction.
Chapel
This is the least changed room at Chatsworth, the 1st Duke employed the best artists to realise his designs.
State Drawing Room
The second room of the State Apartment, a suite of rooms intended to host a king.
State Bedchamber
One of the most private rooms in the State Apartment, this room was more lavishly decorated than all the others and features the State Bed.
North Sketch Gallery
The North Sketch Gallery, created in 2009, showcases contemporary art and ceramics.
Oak Stairs/Leicester Landing
The stairs were created when the 6th Duke added the North Wing. They connected the old part of the house to the new.
Library and Ante Library
There are over 17,000 books in these two rooms. The whole Chatsworth book collection numbers around 40,000 volumes.
Great Dining Room
Built as part of the 6th Duke’s renovation, this room is still used for formal dinners.
Sculpture Gallery
Built by the 6th Duke, the gallery contains one of the foremost early 19th century contemporary collections of sculpture.
History of Chatsworth
Learn about the Devonshires and discover how they shaped the history of the house, garden and collection that we see today.
History of the garden
The garden evolved over nearly 500 years. Discover its history and the people who shaped it.
The Devonshire Collections
Discover highlights from the art, library and archive that make up the Devonshire Collections.
The House
Learn more about what's on in the house.
