180 Painted Easter Eggs on Display at Vianden Castle

An exhibition consisting of approximately 180 hand-painted Easter Eggs by fifteen international artists is currently taking place in Luxembourg’s Vianden Castle, until Sunday 4 May 2025.

The exhibition, running in the Knight’s Hall at the castle, is the brainchild of German artist Michelle Hothum and her husband Norman. Chronicle.lu recently visited the exhibition and spoke with the couple about the display.

Michelle Hothum explained that the exhibition is the third one that they have organised at the castle, following on from exhibitions in 2021 and 2023. Fourteen of the fifteen international artists, whose works are on display, are based in Germany and all are known to Michelle through artistic circles in the country. During the pandemic, when traditional collectors' markets were cancelled, the couple approached Vianden Castle with a proposal and the first exhibition subsequently took place in 2021. The exhibition has remained exclusive to this venue since then.

Each of the approximately 180 eggs on display are hand-painted and unique. Most of the eggs are natural – chicken, duck, goose, among others – but there are also paper, ceramic, porcelain, wood and plastic-painted eggs on display. The natural eggs are emptied and cleaned prior to being painted. The artists use a variety of painting techniques including watercolours, wax painting and woodturning. The eggs are then completed using a matt or glossy lacquer to protect the finished product and enhance the colours used. Michelle Hothum emphasised that all artists have their own unique style and versatility and choose their own themes to paint.

These themes vary from artist to artist and include fairytale and fable themes (with scrolls appearing to come from the side of the egg), detailed animal portraits, geometrical designs, calligraphy, flowers, nature and landscapes, among others. Some artists have succeeded in incorporating impressive perforations in their creations, allowing the visitor to see right through the natural egg. Michelle highlighted the talent and intricate work involved with each individual piece.

In keeping with Easter traditions, one artist has a “Last Supper of Christ” creation, using half an ostrich egg, on display. The artist’s technique “klosterarbeit” (monastery work) follows on from traditional convent techniques in which items, e.g. gold thread and cloth, are collected and reused from liturgical garments and materials.

Norman Hothum explained that, as a result of his many years’ experience as a book illustrator and artist specialising in medieval art, he was familiar with Vianden Castle and therefore came up with the idea of exhibiting the collection there. The impressive and light-filled surroundings of the Knight’s Hall do justice to the striking displays. The couple also exhibit ornaments and other decorations in the castle around Christmas.

An artists' table, featuring paintings, cards and other items for sale is also located in the Knight’s Hall. All eggs on display are for sale, with prices ranging from approximately €35 to €480 for each individual and unique creation. Other eggs, available at the artist’s' table start at €8.

Entrance to the exhibition is included in the admission price to the castle. The castle is open from 10:00 to 18:00 daily. Tickets cost €13 for adults and from €4 for children.

For further information, see https://castle-vianden.lu/gb/events/freijoer-am-veiner-schlass-international-ouschtereeerausstellung/.