In 1794, the almost 20-year-long French foreign rule began in Cologne. Interwoven with the historical events, the study follows the medieval panel paintings from their rediscovery in the monasteries and foundations, whose existence was threatened, to the private rooms of their collectors and to the first exhibition in 1817. In addition to the well-known personalities, neglected and unknown collectors in the literature come into focus. In addition, the question of which collectors provided decisive impetus for the establishment of the exhibition and a public gallery is explored. The analysis of early writings on medieval painting, which promoted the recognition and re-evaluation of the Middle Ages, completes the elaboration. First chronological monograph on the history of the collection of Cologne panel paintings during the secularization. Source-based elaboration Inclusion of previously unnoticed collectors
