Carl Heinrich von Heineken in Dresden und auf Schloss Altdöbern

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Carl Heinrich von Heineken (1707–1791) stands out as a significant 18th-century art scholar and collector, yet his contributions remain largely overlooked. A close associate of Saxon Prime Minister Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Heineken initially managed the art collections and library for Brühl before becoming the director of the Dresden Kupferstich-Kabinett in 1746 under Elector Frederick August II of Saxony. Heineken rapidly expanded the elector’s collection, enhancing its international stature. However, in 1763, allegations of corruption and embezzlement arose, leading to his dismissal and departure from Dresden, despite the eventual exoneration of these claims. In December 1764, he relocated to his estate in Altdöbern, Lower Lusatia, where he spent the next thirty years immersed in scholarly research on art. This period yielded an impressive series of publications on the history of graphic arts. This publication aims to revive interest in Heineken, highlighting his significant yet often forgotten contributions to art scholarship and his activities in both Dresden and Altdöbern.