EXPERIENCE THE FLEMISH MASTERS PROGRAMME 2018 - 2020

1 INTRODUCTION

For over 250 years, from the 15th to well into the late 17th century, Flanders was the fountainhead of the finest art in Western and the inspiration be- hind the most famous art movements of the time: Primitive, Renaissance and .

The artists, renowned for their skill, creativity and technical innovation, turned an already rich and urban Flanders into one of the world’s most culturally sophisticated regions, with impressive achievements in both art and architecture.

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GHENT MECHELEN

BRUSSELS LEUVEN

THE FLEMISH MASTERS 2018-2020

The Flemish Masters project focuses on the life and legacy of several 15th, 16th and 17th century artists who were based in Flanders, particularly Rubens, and the Flemish Primitives, including Van Eyck.

The restoration of the Ghent Altarpiece and its return to St Bavo’s Cathedral, the re-opening of the Royal While many of the works by these Flemish Masters can be admired all over the of Fine Arts Antwerp, a true Rubens’ treasure trove, and the different events marking the 450th anniversary of world, the experience is most powerful in the unique setting of Flanders, where Bruegel’s death will be the highlights of the programme. the work was created. You can stroll around the historic setting in which Rubens lived, wander through the landscapes that inspired , and While the art from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries will be the main priority, we will also make several discover a by Van Eyck in the exact location it was painted for. crossovers to other art forms and experiences. For example, contemporary art, comic strips and gastronomy will be featured. Significant infrastructure investments are being made throughout Flanders as we realize how important high-quality tourist services are in delivering an optimal Most of the Flemish art cities will be in the spotlight, though smaller towns with top pieces will also be taking part. visitor experience. Futhermore, a programme of high-quality events and perma- nent exhibitions with international appeal will be organized throughout 2018, Our goal is to make the Flemish Masters project accessible for everyone, deliver quality over the entire holiday 2019 and 2020. value chain. We look forward to your support and partnership in this endeavour.

4 5 FLEMISH MASTERS PROGRAMME 2018 - 2020 2020 THE GHENT ALTARPIECE IS COMING HOME p. 30

2018 ANTWERP BAROQUE CITY, SIGNED BY RUBENS 2019 p. 8 EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF BRUEGEL p. 20

6 7 ANTWERP BAROQUE CITY, SIGNED BY RUBENS

PETER PAUL RUBENS MAY MOSTLY KNOWN AS A SUCCESSFUL ARTIST, BUT HE WAS ALSO AN ESTEEMED DIPLOMAT, POLYGLOT AND COLLECTOR.

AN AUSPICIOUS START ordinary Flemish house into Europe with many contem- a ‘palazzo’. He extended the poraries considering him as Rubens was born in 1577 in home considerably and add- skilled a diplomat as he was Siegen (in present-day Ger- ed a studio, a garden pavilion an artist. For he was by then many), but soon moved to and a semi-circular sculpture almost universally revered as Antwerp with his mother after museum with a dome, and a painter without rival. his father died. It was there there was a magnificent that he learnt to paint, taking portico offering a beautiful During his travels he secured instruction from artists such view of the courtyard garden many high-profile assign- as Tobias Verhaecht, Adam and the garden pavilion. The ments, including commissions van Noort and Otto van result was magnificent. From such as the creation of 24 Veen. In 1600, he travelled then on, his studio would celebrating the life to Rome and in Italy, become a hive of activity of Maria de Medici for the Pa- and then later to Spain. It with many employees and risian Palais du . was clear even then that he students (some of them was no ordinary talent as he going on to be famous, like A BAROQUE LEGEND soon received Royal commis- and Jacob sions from both courts. Jordaens), producing many In 1630, Rubens returned hundreds of creations and to Flanders for good and RUBENS HOUSE AND paintings to order. bought outside STUDIOS . There he painted his A DIPLOMATIC CAREER largest commission to date, In 1608, he returned to Ant- namely 112 works to decorate werp as the official court A favourite of Archduchess the Royal Hunting Lodge in painter to the Low Countries, Isabella, Rubens became Madrid, the Torre de la Parada. a title bestowed on him by increasingly involved in diplo- By 1638, these were finally Archduke Albert of Austria matic missions on her behalf finished and sent to Spain, and Isabella of Spain. It was - indeed he was the one who but by then his health was then that he bought a house finally brokered a peace deal beginning to deteriorate, and and land on Wapper Square between Spain and , he died in 1640 at his home and set about redesigning it. a move that would eventually on Antwerp’s Wapper Square. Inspired by the architecture lead to a cessation of hostili- of Roman Antiquity and the ties between the Spanish and Renaissance, Rubens drew the Dutch, close allies of the up the plans for the renova- English. Rubens was a highly tion himself, and turned an esteemed court guest all over

8 9 BAROQUE IN ANTWERP

THE CONTEMPORARY BAROQUE SPIRIT OF ANTWERP LIVES ON

In 2018, the city of Antwerp will pay homage to its baroque cultural The word Baroque is derived from the Portuguese word ‘barocco’ meaning, ‘irregular pearl or stone’. This is per- heritage, and to , in particular. An icon of Antwerp, haps the perfect metaphor for Antwerp as it evokes something mysterious, multifaceted and difficult to pin down, the largest and most baroque of the five Flemish cities of art, Rubens while remaining classic and amazingly contemporary at the same time. Rubens’ house – today one of the city’s is the embodiment of baroque, and it is he who is credited with bring- major – is a baroque classic, and there are also many stylish churches in the city from this era. Fortu- ing this art movement to the Low Countries when returning from Italy nately, the tradition continues and new and eccentric, baroque-like buildings are being added to Antwerp’s skyline in the early 17th century. It was Rubens who gave Antwerp, marked by all the time, including Richard Rogers’ Court House and Zaha Hadid’s new Port House, while some of our great the capitulation of 1585, a regained pride and identity that still defines contemporary artists based in Antwerp continue to be inspired by Rubens’ baroque tradition. and characterizes the city today.

10 11 I’M JUST A SIMPLE MAN STANDING ALONE WITH MY ANTWERP BAROQUE CITY 2018, OLD BRUSHES, signed by Rubens The city of Antwerp has ambitious plans to celebrate its impressive baroque heritage and Rubens in particular, and a citywide cultural project is being organized under the name ABC ASKING 2018 (Antwerp Baroque City, signed by Rubens). Curator Teju Cole, art historian and award winning GOD FOR writer, will link the past with the present through arts and artists, and emphasizes that Antwerp and Rubens are still impressively fascinating when it comes to INSPIRATION. imagination and splendour. Food, fashion and shopping, glamour and glitter and a plethora of cultural and artistic initiatives are being prepared to ensure that you can enjoy the city and its baroque heritage every day of PETER PAUL RUBENS the year.

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1 \ GROENPLAATS 2 \ 3 \ TEJU COLE 4 \ LUC TUYMANS 5 \ M HKA EVENTS PROGRAMME 6 \ MAS MUSEUM 7 \ CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY 8 \ MOMU ANTWERP BAROQUE CITY 2018, signed by Rubens

EXHIBITIONS FESTIVITIES

• MAS MUSEUM: Starting from the • THE RUBENS HOUSE: The Rubens al historical locations around old • MIDDELHEIMMUSEUM: The open-air • Teju Cole provides the artistic • Walter Van Beirendonck and work of Peter Paul Rubens and House, the ‘palazzo’ where the town Antwerp. sculpture park of Middelheim will inspiration for a juxtaposition of Linder Sterling will create a Ba- other Flemish baroque masters, Flemish master and his family www.momu.be host an exhibition on so-called contemporary art and work by roque parade, in the full tradition curator Bert Watteeuw will lived, will host an exposition of ‘follies’. Contemporary baroque Rubens in the Cathedral of Our of those Triumphal Entries of the illustrate how three areas of life small-scale and intimate baroque • M HKA: The Antwerp-based sculptures will be inspired by the Lady, Carolus Borromeus church Baroque age. - ‘public’, ‘private’ and ‘secret’ - works designed by Rubens, and artist Luc Tuymans will contrast extravagant garden decorations of and a fully restored Saint James’ influenced the Baroque period brought to Antwerp from collec- works from historical baroque several centuries ago. church. • ARTISTS’ STUDIOS/GALLERIES: and still play a decisive role tions all over the world. and contemporary masters at www.middelheimmuseum.be the studios of contemporary today. www.rubenshuis.be The Museum of Contemporary • The Royal Ballet Flanders and ‘baroque artists’ and www.mas.be Art, Antwerp. Opera are working on baroque Annemie Van Kerckhoven will be • MoMu: Antwerp’s fashion museum www.muhka.be performances with Sidi Larbi Cher- open to the public. will curate an exhibition in sever- kaoui and Aviel Cahn.

14 15 PERMANENT RUBENS & BAROQUE OFFER ANYONE WHO SAYS ANTWERP, THINKS RUBENS

In no other city in the world will you find as many tangible reminders of Rubens as in Antwerp, for he spent most of his life living and working there. It was where he received his training, where he experienced family joys and sorrows, and where he welcomed princes and dignitaries as a diplomat for the Low Countries. It was also the place where he did his painting, becoming by popular acclaim, the greatest painter of his era. His presence is still keenly felt in the city. His statue welcomes visitors to the Groenplaats and more than fifty of his works are on display in various museums and churches, often in the setting for which they were created. His home, studio and grave are all located in Antwerp.

TEMPORARY RUBENS EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS Cannot wait until 2018? Visit the current long-term Rubens exhibitions and events today and in the years to come.

• RUBENS MARKET MARKET SQUARE | 15.08 EVERY YEAR Peter Paul Rubens is remembered at the Rubens market festival, which takes place each year on August 15th, around the Grote Markt.

• THE GOLDEN | OPEN UNTIL 02.07.2017 Visitors to the Rockox House in Antwerp will be able to see how an Antwerp art collection must have appeared in the Golden Century. More particularly, the residence of former mayor and patron (1560-1640) is being transformed into a luxurious art cabinet with top items from the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (currently closed for renovation) and the most important works from the Rockox House itself. On display will be a range of fine paintings by such masters as Rogier Van der Weyden, Hans Memling, Jan Van Eyck, Peter Paul Rubens and Antoon Van Dyck.

• REUNION CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY | UNTIL END OF 2017 Eight altarpieces from the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Ant- werp are the showstoppers of the exhibition Reunion. From Quinten Metsijs to Peter Paul Rubens.

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RUBENS ROYAL MUSEUM in Antwerp OF FINE ARTS ANTWERP currently closed for renovation, it will re- open Spring 2019. It’ll be worth the wait as it houses one of the finest Rubens collections in .

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RUBENS HOUSE THE CATHEDRAL OF PLANTIN-MORETUS OUR LADY MUSEUM ONZE-LIEVE-VROUWEKATHEDRAAL UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

the home of the artist for many years. four masterpieces by Rubens are on the house of Rubens’ good friend and You can visit his studio and see his permanent display. the place where many of his engravings impressive art collection. were printed. UNIQUE RUBENS’ ACTIVITIES FOR TOUR GROUPS

5 6 7 ON DEMAND, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE FOR TOUR GROUPS:

• Exclusive visits and opening hours • Visits behind the scenes, including private organ concerts in historic churches • Creative workshops: print, engraving, book binding ST. JAMES’S CHURCH ST. CHARLES BORROMEO ROCKOX HOUSE • Guided (Rubens) walks through the city AND ST. PAUL’S CHURCHES YOU CAN BOOK BY CALLING VISIT ANTWERP OR this is where the artist was laid to rest. Rubens’ talents as an ecclesiastical the former residence of the Antwerp SENDING AN E-MAIL: Rubens chose the painting for the altar: baroque architect are clearly visible in mayor at the time, Nicolaas Rockox, his own “Our Lady surrounded by the these two churches. and a friend and patron of Rubens is a saints.” treasure trove of baroque art. VISIT ANTWERP +32 3 338 81 81 [email protected] WWW.VISITANTWERPEN.BE

18 19 EXPERIENCE THE WORLD OF BRUEGEL

THE ENIGMA OF PIETER BRUEGEL THE ELDER

While little is known about certainty, and this makes him craftsman (reknowned de- the life of Pieter Bruegel, a truly enigmatic figure. signer of tapestries, architect, much can be said by studying sculptor) Pieter Coecke van the subject matter of his Two early sources1 suggest Aelst between 1545 and 1550. paintings and examining that Bruegel was most likely It was also during his appren- the times he lived in. Clearly born between the years of ticeship that he may have fascinated by nature, human- 1525 to 1530. It is recorded been trained as a manuscript ity and humour, he doesn’t that he became a free master illuminator by Coecke’s wife, quite fit the mould of one or in the Guild of St Luke, Ant- Mayken Verhulst. another ‘type’ of artist. The werp in 1551. This leads us to truth is though we know conclude that he most served very little about his life with his apprentice to the master

20 21 1 Lodovico Guicciardini’s account of the Low Countries from 1567, and Karel van Mander’s Schilder-boeck of 1604. THE GUILD OF SAINT AN ARTIST BY be viewed in the Mayer van LUKE TRADE den Bergh Museum in Antwerp. This museum also owns the 12 Membership of the Guild of From the mid 16th century on- hand-painted wooden plates Saint Luke in Antwerp, will have wards, Bruegel began to be more by Bruegel, each depicting a certainly exposed Bruegel to the professionally active. By 1552, he proverb. influence of the local Romanists had established his first contacts for whom travel to Italy and with the print publisher Hier- FAMILY LIFE IN appreciation of classical and onymus Cock and it is from this BRUSSELS humanist culture were essen- epoch that we have his earliest tial. And so it is no surprise to surviving . These draw- In 1563, Bruegel moves to Brus- find that he travelled to Italy ings can still be seen today: the sels and marries Mayken Coecke, around 1552. He is known to collection of Bruegel’s graphic daughter of Pieter Coecke and have met the miniaturist Giulio production which is kept by the Mayken Verhulst in Brussels’ Clovio while in Rome, for three Royal Library of Belgium, ranks Notre-Dame de la Chapelle paintings by him were listed among the richest world-wide. Church. His son Pieter Bruegel in the latter’s will of 1578, but It is also home to a collection of (the Younger) is born in 1564 they have not survived. Around about 90 rare high-quality prints while Jan Breugel (the Elder) 1554 Bruegel returned to Ant- as well as three master drawings arrives in 1568. This is also the werp, probably by way of the by Bruegel himself. year that Breugel produces his Alps. This journey resulted in a last (known surviving) paintings number of exquisite drawings Back from Italy however, Bruegel and drawings. Bruegel dies in of mountain landscapes. These begins to concentrate on paint- 1569 and is buried in the same sketches, which formed the basis ing. About forty five oeuvres church in which he married, the for many of his later paintings, survive. These paintings are Notre-Dame de la Chapelle, near are not records of actual places scattered worldwide, but 5 of the Sablon in Brussels. but “composites” made in order them can be seen in the Royal to investigate the organic life of Museum of Fine Arts in Brus- forms in nature. sels, while the iconic painting ‘The Dulle Griet’ (Mad Meg) can

22 23 EXPERIENCE BRUEGEL AND HIS LEGACY ALL OVER FLANDERS AND BRUSSELS

ANTWERP BRUSSELS

EXHIBITION ‘DE EEUW VAN BRUEGEL, MUSEUM MAYER VAN DEN BERGH DISPLAYS ROYAL MUSEUMS OF FINE ARTS IN EXPERIENCE THE BRUEGEL BOX AT THE KUNST IN ANTWERPEN EN DE ZUIDELIJKE WORK BY PIETER BRUEGEL THE ELDER IN A BRUSSELS (RMFAB) ROYAL MUSEUMS OF FINE ARTS BRUSSELS NEDERLANDEN 1530 -1600’. (ROYAL MUSEUM PERMANENT EXHIBITION Only about forty-five of Pieter Bruegel’s paintings Using ‘The Fall of the Rebel Angels’ by Bruegel the OF FINE ARTS ANTWERP) ‘Mad Meg’ (Dulle Griet) is one of Bruegel’s most have been preserved, making them rare and extreme- Elder, the Bruegel Box is a highly immersive technol- ly valuable. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Bel- ogy, which allows the viewer to truly enter Bruegel’s This exhibition is a double celebration. Not only will famous paintings, and in contrast to many other of his works, no printed copies of it exist. It is an gium house the second largest ensemble of Bruegel imagination and discover his original view on a this be the first exhibition in the completely refur- the Elder paintings. world in transformation. This imaginary representa- bished Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Antwerp, it will ‘apocalyptic’ and ‘volcanic’ narrative painting and rather like its author, has kept its secrets well locked tion, influenced by the cabinet of curiosities and the also mark the 450th anniversary of the death of the Several major works are on permanent display: Fall of discovery of the New World, is brought to life. Thanks Renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel. up for precisely what it means remains a mystery. It is full of misshapen monsters and a woman girded the Rebel Angels (1562), the Winter Landscape with a to a unique multimedia installation, the visitor is in armour strides forth with a sword in her hands: Bird Trap (1565), and the Census at Bethlehem (1566), launched into the heart of the untold, effervescent Besides giving an overview of the artistic produc- as well as one preparatory for Prudence chaos of the masterpiece. tion in Antwerp and southern from 1530 this is Mad Meg, a synonym in Bruegel’s time for a hellcat. (1558). to 1585, it will focus on the work of Pieter Bruegel The Google Cultural Institute (Google Art project) has himself. also made a giga-pixel reproduction of the artwork. www.kmska.be Also at this museum you’ll find the famous series Bruegel made of proverbs painted on twelve oak www.fine-arts-museum.be dining plates. www.museummayervandenbergh.be

24 25 THE WORLD OF BRUEGEL IN BLACK AND WHITE AT THE ROYAL LIBRARY OF BELGIUM, BRUSSELS

The most complete graphic The exhibition will offer a You will be digitally immersed collection of work by Bruegel whole new perspective on the into the black and white is housed at the Royal Li- world of Bruegel by displaying world of Bruegel. It’s a chance brary of Belgium. In addition the artist’s work alongside to learn who commissioned to Bruegel’s printed oeuvre, that of his contemporaries like these different prints; how several rare master drawings Bosch, Van der Heyden, van they were perceived, and what by the artist himself will be Doetecum and others. their fate has been during available for viewing during their 450-year existence. this exceptional exhibition.

EXPERIENCE BRUEGEL IN THE COUNTRYSIDE IN THE ‘PAJOTTENLAND’

GAASBEEK CASTLE lies about 13 km south west of Brussels and is a beautiful medieval castle, surrounded by gently rolling hills and water. It’s where you’ll find two exhibitions on Bruegel:

• THE REDISCOVERY OF BRUEGEL: • BRUEGEL MEETS CONTEMPORARY ART: this exhibition in Spring 2019 celebrates a genera- in the autumn of 2019 (September - early Novem- tion of 19th century artists who were fascinated by ber), a group of contemporary artists will be inter- the genius of the artist who contributed so much preting the artistic legacy of Bruegel with existing to establishing the Flemish identity. Visitors will be and newly commissioned work. It’s an occasion for immersed in a game of changing moods, not only the biggest names in to prove that the with paintings but also music, literature and film. illusion-less art of Bruegel is as topical today as it It’s a unique way of discovering Bruegel’s cynical was then. humour, his caricatures and hidden messages, and www.kasteelvangaasbeek.be/en the way he glorified agriculture and the rural life.

CYCLING TOUR IN THE PAJOTTENLAND A special Bruegel cycle route has been prepared taking you past Gaasbeek Castle and St-Anna-Pede church, as well as the lush green landscape that Bruegel depicted in his paintings. The start of the route is only a short metro ride away from Brussels city centre. Bicycles are available for hire: Villo.be, Erasmus Hospital bike station. en.villo.be

THE CHURCH OF ST-ANNA-PEDE A beautiful 13th century church depicted on the painting ‘The Blind Leading the Blind’.

26 27 DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that Bruegel depicts curling and ice hockey in the painting ‘Hunters in ACTUAL the Snow’? PERMANENT Did you know that both Pieter Bruegel’s BRUEGEL PRODUCTS sons became famous painters in their own right?

Do you know why fools are so often depicted by Bruegel and Bosch as appearing in hollowed out eggs? The answer is that “in Middle Dutch, door means 1 both egg yolk and fool.”

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BRUEGEL EXHIBITION IN BOKRIJK: OTHER ‘THE WORLD OF BRUEGEL’ (FOR AVID ART LOVERS) Bokrijk is a unique open-air museum with its own • In cooperation with the Kunsthistorisches Museum \ 1 The Bruegel walk in park and walking area. It is located just 60 minutes of Wien, the Flemish Art Collection is developing Neerpede east of Brussels by car. While you can always ‘see’ a a website covering the entire oeuvre of Bruegel Bruegel in either Antwerp or Brussels, this is a chance with the Rubenianum responsible for the scientific \ 2 3 paintings and 1 drawing to ‘live’ it. documentation. in the Royal Museums of 4 ‘The World of Bruegel’ brings Breugel’s painting to life • The ‘Bruegel’ Youth Hostel in Brussels will be Fine Arts Brussels in a fully immersive experience. You will find farmsteads, entirely refurbished on the theme of Bruegel and objects, even landscapes from the time of Bruegel. At var- his paintings. It is ideally located a few steps away \ 3 2 works in the Mayer van ious strategic points along the Bruegel route, visitors from Central Station, in the shadow of the Notre-Dame den Bergh Museum will be invited to enter 4 different worlds housed de la Chapelle, where Bruegel was buried. in impressive barns and fine examples of historic \ 4 Notre-Dame de la Chapelle craftsmanship themselves. Ideal for families wanting Church, Brussels (where he an unforgettable day out. married and was buried)

28 29 BOOK REVIEW

BRUEGEL: NEW INSIGHTS ON A MASTERPIECE

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Fall of the Rebel Angels is the first comprehensive book on one of the most cherished masterpieces of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.

Books about a single artwork the hybrid falling angels are animals and artefacts from are relatively rare, but this carefully composed of natu- the ‘new world’. By zooming book not only explains the ralia (things made by nature) in on the events of the year meaning of the work, but and artificialia, (things made 1562, the author offers fas- also gives considerable detail by man) as they were col- cinating insights on Bruegel about the life and times of lected in art and curiosity and his move to Brussels, the one of Flanders’ most original cabinets of the time. city, the court, the chambers Renaissance artists. of rhetoric and the Brussels This places Bruegel in the tapestry industry. The author argues that with centre of the emerging global his Fall of the Rebel Angels knowledge society. Living in This book shows how study- (1562), Pieter Bruegel turned a Antwerp at the time of the ing a masterpiece can offer traditional devotional theme creation of this painting, real insights into the master’s into an innovative commen- Breugel will have had an life, place and time, 450 years tary on his own time. More expanded worldly conscious- after he painted his last work. particularly, the book reveals ness, for it was a major sea- some long-kept secrets about port and will have been the the painting. It explains that arrival point for many exotic

PIETER BRUEGEL THE ELDER, FALL OF THE REBEL ANGELS AUTHOR: Tine L. Meganck PUBLISHER: Silvana Editoriale | Cahier n° 16 of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium Available at the Museum Shop and in the Visit Flanders Shop: www.flandersshop.be

30 31 2020 THE GHENT ALTARPIECE IS COMING HOME

A TURNING POINT IN

The paintings made in the Southern Low Countries during the 15th and early 16th centuries are a particular high point in the . The period, generally referred to as the “Flemish Primitives”, flourished thanks to the penetrating nature of oil paint and a desire to reproduce the visible world as detailed as possible. It was a time when commissions not only came from the various courts and religious institutions, but also from cities and their citizenry. For the first time, the painter enjoyed a prominent position in society.

32 33 STORY

THE RESTORATION OF THE GHENT ALTARPIECE

“For more than four hundred years, we haven’t actually been viewing the real Ghent Altarpiece.” UNMATCHED VIRTUOSITY A COVETED MASTERPIECE curred on the 11th April 1934 when WITH THE PAINTBRUSH two panels from the work were Jan’s most famous creation is stolen, one of ‘John the Baptist’ Commissioned by the merchant, world-renowned. “We discovered the panels. The colours, details, the Ghent Altarpiece “Adoration and another of the ‘Just Judges’. A Jan Van Eyck was a major figure financier and politician, Jodocus that large parts of the work were folds and depth that have been of the Mystic Lamb”, made for ransom of a million Belgian Francs in the painting revolution taking Vijd, then the equivalent of the painted over during a 17th century revealed are of remarkable quality Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent. was demanded, and in a show place in the Low Countries during mayor of Ghent, the Ghent Altar- restoration. That was the accepted and perfectly match the style of Van It is a 12-panel polyptych that he of good faith by the perpetrator, the early part of the 15th centu- piece was designed for the Vijd way of restoring a painting at the Eyck. This also explains why experts worked on with his older brother one of the panels, that of ‘John ry. With his precise observation chapel in today’s Saint Bavo Ca- time. But the good news is that had previously grouped details of Hubert, also a painter. Jan finished the Baptist’, was returned, but no and natural rendering of reality, thedral. It’s a work of art that has the original layer is still in good this piece among some of Van Eyck’s the commission in 1432 following money was ever paid. So sadly the his brilliant use of colours and spoken to the imagination ever condition and so we can, in prin- lesser work. Now we know that this Hubert’s death in 1426. It was the last piece of the puzzle is still miss- mastery of oils – a technique he since its creation in 1432. ciple, remove the top layer,” says is because the work of the real Van most famous oil painting of the ing. One of the themed bypaths in perfected - Van Eyck took paint- Devolder. Although in the world of Eyck has largely been hidden under ing to new heights. His employer, epoch. STAM, the Ghent city museum, tells the story of the theft of one of the THE LATEST RESTORATION restoration a conscious choice is newer layers of paint,” suggests the Duke of Burgundy (Philip the sometimes made to keep the traces Devolder. Further details, such as a Good), ensured that he was well Since its first viewing in 1432, the side panels of the Ghent Altar- Since October 2012, Bart Devolder of time, the restorers are con- spider’s web just above the heads paid and able to paint “whenever magnificent altarpiece measuring piece, ‘The Just Judges’ panel. The has coordinated the restoration vinced that, in this case, it is the of Joos Vijd and Elisabeth Borluut he pleased”. He was also asked to 4.40 x 3.40 m is considered one of hunt for the missing panel is still project at the KIK (Royal Institute right thing to do to remove the have also recently been revealed handle a number of diplomatic vis- the world’s finest art treasures. Un- on and introduces a light-hearted for Cultural Heritage), a Belgian top layer. “We have already made during the restoration. its, including one to Lisbon in 1428 fortunately it has been the victim note. institution whose expertise is small windows in certain areas of to arrange the Duke’s forthcoming of 13 crimes and 7 thefts since its marriage with Isabella of Portugal. installation. The latest theft oc-

34 35 3 MAJOR MUST-SEES FOR 2019/2020

UNIQUE VAN EYCK EXHIBITION IN THE NEW VISITOR CENTRE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS IN GHENT IN SAINT BAVO’S CATHEDRAL This exhibition will zoom in on the relationship The return of the restored Ghent Altarpiece to St. Ba- SEE THE RESTORERS AT WORK between Van Eyck’s work and the high cultural circles vo’s Cathedral scheduled for 2019/2020 will coincide in which he was active, in particular the Burgundian with the opening of a brand new visitor centre in the Until 2019/2020, when it is the Museum of Fine Arts, court of the Duke, Philip the Good. It will create dif- crypt of the cathedral. estimated that the resto- the Caermersklooster (an ferent experiences around the oeuvre of Jan Van Eyck ration will be complete and old convent) and the Saint just before the reinstallation of the Ghent Altarpiece The visitor centre will address various topics includ- put back in its original place Bavo’s cathedral. in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. ing the remarkable history of the painting (including on display in Saint Bavo’s the current restoration campaign) and the signif- Cathedral, you can visit the An exhibition on the work’s The Duke was known as a collector of paintings icance of the artwork itself. Besides its religious Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) rich history, spanning almost and many other “rarities”. With his refined taste, meaning and its historical value, the visitor centre in Ghent where the Ghent six centuries, can be viewed he attracted the best artists and craftsmen of his will also explain its link with the urban society of Altarpiece is being restored. at Ghent’s Caermersklooster time, and this resulted in a court that was filled with the 15th century and clarify some typical Christian treasures and wonders. Not unjustly, historians see customs and symbols. A COMBI-TICKET FOR THE Visitors will gain an excel- for the duration of the lent insight into the resto- restoration period. The a sophisticated political strategy in this quest for 3 RELEVANT LOCATIONS ration work. The restorers exhibition is called ‘Het Lam artistic brilliance, with the dazzling splendour also COSTS 12 EURO. are currently also present at Gods ont(k)leed!’ (The Ghent serving as a display of the ruler’s political influence the MSK every last Wednes- Altarpiece Revealed). The and military power. www.mskgent.be YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO: day of the month for a Q&A. exhibition will be supple- Visitors may also be inter- mented with temporary - The Museum of Fine Arts ested to go on the Van Eyck exhibits focusing on specific in Ghent walking tour of 15th century themes, such as the origin of Ghent, which connects the the wooden panels and the EVENT: THE RETURN OF THE GHENT ALTARPIECE (TO BE DEVELOPED) - The Caermersklooster three important locations: iconography of the work. - Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

36 37 Responsible editor Legal deposit VISITFLANDERS - Peter De Wilde D/2016/5635/23/4 Grasmarkt 61 - 1000 Brussels All rights reserved. No part of this publication Contact may be reproduced, stored in a database or retrieval system, or published, in any form VISITFLANDERS or in any way, electronically, mechanically, Grasmarkt 61 - 1000 Brussels by print, photoprint, microfilm or any other [email protected] means without prior written permission from www.visitflanders.com EXPERIENCE THE FLEMISH PRIMITIVES the publisher. IN BRUGES IN THEIR NATIVE HEARTLAND

Copyright beeldmateriaal / Copyright images Toerisme Vlaanderen / VISITFLANDERS, portret Margaretha van Eyck, Lukasweb / GROENINGE MUSEUM HISTORIUM BRUGGE p 2: Lam Gods gesloten, Lucasweb / p 3: Visit Antwerpen, Mayer van den Bergh / p 4: Terras: Visit Antwerpen, Rubens aanbidding der Koningen: Lucasweb / p 5: Portrait of a The Groeninge Museum houses a world famous collection You can experience what it was like to live in Bru- Man: The National Gallery (), Istock, / p 6 - 7: Art cabinet: Erwin Donvil, Mayer van den of Flemish Primitive paintings, with masterpieces by Jan ges during the Golden Age in the Historium. See for Bergh, Visit Antwerpen / p 8: Stad Antwerpen / p 10 - 11: Vist Antwerpen / van Eyck, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes, and Gerard yourself what medieval Bruges was really like: walk David. An exciting and ambitious project covering this around the harbour, take a look in the workshop of p 12: Stad Antwerpen / p 13: OVL Kathedraal: Tom D’Haenens / p 14: foto 1: Stad Antwerpen, particular period of art is in preparation. Van Eyck and soak up the atmosphere in the streets. foto 2: Rubenshuis, foto 3: Stad Antwerpen , foto 4: studio Tuymans, foto 5: M HKA, foto 6: Visit www.museabrugge.be Or simply smile at the delicious scents and bawdy Antwerpen, foto 7: Stad Antwerpen, foto 8: MOMU / p 16-17: Stad Antwerpen / laughter coming from the bathhouse. p 18: : Lucasweb, foto 1- 2: Stad Antwerpen, foto 3:Istock , foto 4: Stad Antwerpen, SAINT JOHN’S HOSPITAL MUSEUM www.historium.be foto 5: Istock, foto 6: Istock , foto 7: Visit Antwerp / p 19: Kruisafneming: Lucasweb / p 20: Mayer van den Bergh / p 21: KMSKB: Tom D’haenens / p 22-23: Winterlandschap met schaatsers en Saint John’s is a former pilgrim’s hospital and church vogelknip: KMSKB, J. Geleyns- Ro Scan / p 24: Dulle Griet: Mayer van den Bergh, Bokrijk: Luc Dae- that has been transformed into a museum. There is lemans, Erwin Christis, Pieter van Stee / p25: Visit Brussels / p 26: Koninklijke Bibliotheek / art and medical objects from the history of the clinic, p 27: Istock / p 28-29: Luc Bohez / p 30: KMSKB / p 31: foto 1: Luc Bohez, foto 2: Tom D’Haenens, plus a special section dedicated to one of Bruges’ most famous residents, the Flemish Primitive painter foto 3: Mayer van den Bergh, foto 5: Istock / p 32: Portrait of a Man: The National Gallery (Lon- Hans Memling. don) / p 33: Lam Gods, Lucasweb / p 34: Istock / p 35: Lucasweb / p 36: Lukasweb / www.museabrugge.be p 37: Visit Gent / p 38: Visit Bruges, Michel Vaerewijck,

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PROJECT MANAGER TRADE MANAGERS Julie Rutgeerts ASIA [email protected] TRADE CHINA Li Xin ( director) TRADE Pedro Waeghe +32 (0)2 504 04 82 [email protected] [email protected] +86 10 8442 5744 +32 (0)2 504 04 38 PRODUCT MANAGERS TRADE JAPAN SCANDINAVIA RUBENS Junko lida TRADE Lynn Dauwe Helena De Brabandere [email protected] [email protected] helena.debrabandere@visitflanders. +81 33237 7732 +32 (0)2 504 05 20 com +32 (0)2 504 03 86 TRADE INDIA SPAIN Dheera Majumder-Mitra TRADE Judit Sala BRUEGEL [email protected] [email protected] Linde Deheegher +91 22 26731197 +34 93 508 59 92 [email protected] +32 (0)2 504 04 31 BRAZIL THE NEDERLANDS VLAAMSE PRIMITIEVEN TRADE Katrien Dejonghe TRADE Joke Nivelle & Ingrid Bokma Ben Devriendt [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] +32 (0)2 504 25 03 +32(0)2 504 05 06 +32 (0)2 504 25 21 [email protected] CENTRAL EUROPE REGION +31 70 416 81 11 (AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND, SLOVAKIA) TRADE Alexandra Raab-Frostl UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND [email protected] TRADE Lisa Thomas +43-1-5960660-20 [email protected] +44 20 7307 7733 FRANCE TRADE Anthony Forest USA & CANADA [email protected] TRADE Marco Frank +33 1 56 89 14 45 [email protected] +1 646 4487 164 GERMANY TRADE Britta Weidemann [email protected] +49 221 270 97 41

ITALY TRADE Mayra Caroppo Venturini [email protected] +39 02 97381754

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