AGNSW will host one of the most significant collections of European old master paintings ever seen in Australia.

The Greats: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland is one of the most significant collections of European old master paintings ever seen in Australia.

Spanning a period of 400 years from the Renaissance to Impressionism, the exhibition includes over 70 paintings and drawings from the National Galleries of Scotland and is presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2015-2016.

“The Greats is a statement of unequivocal artistic excellence – each piece in this exhibition is of extraordinary quality. We are excited to provide Australian audiences the rare opportunity to come face to face with such unique and masterful artworks,” said Director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Michael Brand.

Visitors to The Greats will also experience the Scottish National Gallery’s famous interior with part of the exhibition space inspired by the Edinburgh gallery’s octagonal rooms with fabric walls of a sumptuous red – the traditional colour on which to hang old master paintings.

Featured works include the most outstanding names in Western art, including Botticelli, Leonardo, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Velázquez, Poussin, Rembrandt, Vermeer,...