Even as a student in his early 20s, José Manuel Ladrón de Guevara was interested in art and antiques. After a period of exploration, founding the company in Marburg in 1991 was the logical next step. This was followed by years of participating in numerous trade fairs in Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, and other European cities, until the headquarters were relocated to the Elbe in 1997. Initially located in the lovingly restored villa of the royal chamber singer Therese Malten, the gallery is now in the heart of the Baroque quarter.
In 2011, the Prieber Palace in Bautzen’s old town was purchased and has since been faithfully reconstructed with the support of the German Foundation for Monument Protection and the State Office for Monument Preservation. In 2020, we received the award for exemplary renovation from the Bautzen Art Association. Once completed, the palace will be opened for cultural events and exhibitions.
From the beginning, our focus has been on classicist art and furniture. While the cozy Biedermeier style with light woods and pleasing forms predominated in the beginning, over time the range has shifted toward the dignified and austere lines of the Goethe era around 1800—mahogany wood, framed and ebonized pieces have dominated ever since.
However, other areas were also explored: graphics and paintings with close ties to Italy were added, as were sculptures based on ancient models and the works of Thorwaldsen, Canova, Jerichau, and others, along with selected objects from the “Grand Tour.”
As one of Germany’s leading art dealers, we cooperate with a number of collectors and international galleries, which since 2015 have enabled us to organize exhibitions in our premises that appeal to the public. For example, we presented Otto Modersohn in a solo exhibition for the first time in Dresden. German and French artists of the early 20th century are now an integral part of our repertoire.
In addition to trading in art and antiques, we are also dedicated to preserving these pieces. For 25 years now, we have been operating our own restoration workshop, where not only our furniture but also that of our customers in Germany and abroad is professionally refurbished. Over the years, we have successfully participated in tenders for local museums such as Moritzburg, Pillnitz, Weesenstein, and Rammenau.
We advise our customers on furnishing their private and public spaces, work with them to build up individual collections, and assist with the purchase and sale of special pieces.
A holistic concept that has proven itself over the years and from which you can benefit!
We look forward welcoming you !