Jan van Eyck is a key figure of the Northern Renaissance, its founder.

Van Eyck was considered the inventor of oil paints, although in fact he only improved them. However, thanks to him, the oil received universal recognition.

For 16 years, the artist was the court painter of the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, the master and the vassal also had a strong friendship, the duke took an active part in the artist’s fate, and van Eyck became an intermediary in the master’s marriage.

Jan van Eyck was a real “personality of the Renaissance”: he knew geometry well, had some knowledge of chemistry, was fond of alchemy, was interested in botany, and also very successfully carried out diplomatic assignments.

Where can I buy: De Jonckheere Gallery, Oscar De Vos Gallery, Jos Jamar Gallery, Harold t’Kint de Roodenbeke Gallery, Francis Maere Gallery, Pierre Mahaux Gallery, Guy Pieters Gallery

René Magritte (1898, Lessines— 1967, Brussels)

The great joker and trickster Rene Magritte once said: “Look, I’m drawing a pipe, but it’s not a pipe.” Using an absurd combination of ordinary objects, the artist fills his paintings with metaphors and hidden meanings that make you think about the deceptiveness of the visible, the mystery of the everyday.

However, Magritte was always aloof from the other surrealists, but rather considered himself a magical realist, in particular because, surprisingly, he did not recognize the role of psychoanalysis.

The artist’s mother committed suicide by jumping from a bridge when he was 13 years old; some researchers believe that the “signature” image of a mysterious man in a coat and bowler hat was born under the impression of this tragic event.

Where to look:

In 2009, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels separated the artist's collection into a separate museum dedicated to his work.

Where can I buy: Gallery De Jonckheere, Gallery Jos Jamar, Gallery Harold t’Kint de Roodenbeke, Gallery Pierre Mahaux, Gallery Guy Pieters

Paul Delvaux (1897, Ante - 1994, Woerne, West Flanders)

Delvaux was one of the most successful surrealist artists, despite the fact that he was never officially a member of the movement.

In the sad and mysterious world of Delvaux, a woman always occupies a central place. A particularly deep silence surrounds the women in the paintings; they seem to be waiting for men to awaken them.

The classic subject in Delvaux’s image is a female figure against the backdrop of an urban or rural landscape, given in perspective, surrounded by mysterious elements.

The writer and poet Andre Breton even once noted that the artist makes “our world the Kingdom of Woman, the mistress of hearts.”

Delvaux studied as an architect at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, but then transferred to the painting class. However, architecture always takes an active part in his paintings.

Where can I buy: Jos Jamar Gallery, Harold t'Kint de Roodenbeke Gallery, Lancz Gallery, Guy Pieters Gallery

Wim Delvoye (genus. 1965)

Wim Delvoye's cutting-edge, often provocative and ironic work demonstrates ordinary objects in a new context. The artist combines modern and classical subjects into subtle references and parallels.

Some of the artist's most famous works include "Cloaca" (2009-2010), a machine that parodies the action of the human digestive system, and "Art Farm" near Beijing, where Delvoye creates tattoo paintings on the backs of pigs.

The most popular was his series of pseudo-Gothic sculptures, in which openwork carvings are combined with modern subjects. One of these (“Cement Truck”) stands near the KVS theater in Brussels.

Where to look:

At the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Brussels, M HKA (Antwerp), in January at the Maison Particuliere, Wim Delvoye will be a guest artist in the collective exhibition “Taboo”. Also, the sculpture “Concrete Mixer” is installed in front of the KVS theater (Royal Flemish Theater) on the square between Hooikaai / Quai au Foin and Arduinkaai / Quai aux pierres de taille streets.

Most of his works constantly travel around the world, exhibited at the best art venues.

Where can I buy:

Jan Fabre (born 1958, Antwerp)

The multi-talented Jan Fabre is known for his provocative performances, but he is also a writer, philosopher, sculptor, photographer and video artist, and is considered one of the most radical contemporary choreographers.

The artist is the grandson of a tireless researcher of butterflies, insects and spiders

Jean-Henri Fabre. Perhaps that is why the world of insects is one of the key themes of his work, along with the human body and war.

In 2002, Fabre, commissioned by Queen Paola of Belgium, decorated the ceiling of the Hall of Mirrors of the Royal Palace in Brussels (by the way, for the first time since Auguste Rodin) with millions of beetle wings. The composition is called Heaven of Delight (2002).

However, behind the iridescent surface, the artist reminds the royal family of a terrible shame - the enormous human sacrifices among the local population of the Congo during the colonization of King Leopold II for the sake of mining diamonds and gold.

According to the artist, conservative Belgian society, to put it mildly, did not like this: “The common man is often annoyed by the idea that the Royal Palace is decorated by an artist who openly calls not to vote for the right.”

Where to look:

In addition to the Royal Palace, the works of Jan Fabre can be seen in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Brussels, where, among others, his installation “Blue Look” is installed, the Museum of Contemporary Art Ghent (S.M.A.K.), M HKA (Antwerp), Belfius Art Collection (Brussels), Museum Ixelles (Brussels), as well as at curated temporary exhibitions at Maison Particuliere, Villa Empain, Vanhaerents Art Collection, etc.

Where can I buy: Jos Jamar Gallery, Guy Pieters Gallery

Jan van Eyck is a key figure of the Northern Renaissance, its founder.

Van Eyck was considered the inventor of oil paints, although in fact he only improved them. However, thanks to him, the oil received universal recognition.

For 16 years, the artist was the court painter of the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, the master and the vassal also had a strong friendship, the duke took an active part in the artist’s fate, and van Eyck became an intermediary in the master’s marriage.

Jan van Eyck was a real “personality of the Renaissance”: he knew geometry well, had some knowledge of chemistry, was fond of alchemy, was interested in botany, and also very successfully carried out diplomatic assignments.

Where can I buy: De Jonckheere Gallery, Oscar De Vos Gallery, Jos Jamar Gallery, Harold t’Kint de Roodenbeke Gallery, Francis Maere Gallery, Pierre Mahaux Gallery, Guy Pieters Gallery

René Magritte (1898, Lessines— 1967, Brussels)

The great joker and trickster Rene Magritte once said: “Look, I’m drawing a pipe, but it’s not a pipe.” Using an absurd combination of ordinary objects, the artist fills his paintings with metaphors and hidden meanings that make you think about the deceptiveness of the visible, the mystery of the everyday.

However, Magritte was always aloof from the other surrealists, but rather considered himself a magical realist, in particular because, surprisingly, he did not recognize the role of psychoanalysis.

The artist’s mother committed suicide by jumping from a bridge when he was 13 years old; some researchers believe that the “signature” image of a mysterious man in a coat and bowler hat was born under the impression of this tragic event.

Where to look:

In 2009, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels separated the artist's collection into a separate museum dedicated to his work.

Where can I buy: Gallery De Jonckheere, Gallery Jos Jamar, Gallery Harold t’Kint de Roodenbeke, Gallery Pierre Mahaux, Gallery Guy Pieters

Paul Delvaux (1897, Ante - 1994, Woerne, West Flanders)

Delvaux was one of the most successful surrealist artists, despite the fact that he was never officially a member of the movement.

In the sad and mysterious world of Delvaux, a woman always occupies a central place. A particularly deep silence surrounds the women in the paintings; they seem to be waiting for men to awaken them.

The classic subject in Delvaux’s image is a female figure against the backdrop of an urban or rural landscape, given in perspective, surrounded by mysterious elements.

The writer and poet Andre Breton even once noted that the artist makes “our world the Kingdom of Woman, the mistress of hearts.”

Delvaux studied as an architect at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, but then transferred to the painting class. However, architecture always takes an active part in his paintings.

Where can I buy: Jos Jamar Gallery, Harold t'Kint de Roodenbeke Gallery, Lancz Gallery, Guy Pieters Gallery

Wim Delvoye (genus. 1965)

Wim Delvoye's cutting-edge, often provocative and ironic work demonstrates ordinary objects in a new context. The artist combines modern and classical subjects into subtle references and parallels.

Some of the artist's most famous works include "Cloaca" (2009-2010), a machine that parodies the action of the human digestive system, and "Art Farm" near Beijing, where Delvoye creates tattoo paintings on the backs of pigs.

The most popular was his series of pseudo-Gothic sculptures, in which openwork carvings are combined with modern subjects. One of these (“Cement Truck”) stands near the KVS theater in Brussels.

Where to look:

At the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Brussels, M HKA (Antwerp), in January at the Maison Particuliere, Wim Delvoye will be a guest artist in the collective exhibition “Taboo”. Also, the sculpture “Concrete Mixer” is installed in front of the KVS theater (Royal Flemish Theater) on the square between Hooikaai / Quai au Foin and Arduinkaai / Quai aux pierres de taille streets.

Most of his works constantly travel around the world, exhibited at the best art venues.

Where can I buy:

Jan Fabre (born 1958, Antwerp)

The multi-talented Jan Fabre is known for his provocative performances, but he is also a writer, philosopher, sculptor, photographer and video artist, and is considered one of the most radical contemporary choreographers.

The artist is the grandson of a tireless researcher of butterflies, insects and spiders

Jean-Henri Fabre. Perhaps that is why the world of insects is one of the key themes of his work, along with the human body and war.

In 2002, Fabre, commissioned by Queen Paola of Belgium, decorated the ceiling of the Hall of Mirrors of the Royal Palace in Brussels (by the way, for the first time since Auguste Rodin) with millions of beetle wings. The composition is called Heaven of Delight (2002).

However, behind the iridescent surface, the artist reminds the royal family of a terrible shame - the enormous human sacrifices among the local population of the Congo during the colonization of King Leopold II for the sake of mining diamonds and gold.

According to the artist, conservative Belgian society, to put it mildly, did not like this: “The common man is often annoyed by the idea that the Royal Palace is decorated by an artist who openly calls not to vote for the right.”

Where to look:

In addition to the Royal Palace, the works of Jan Fabre can be seen in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Brussels, where, among others, his installation “Blue Look” is installed, the Museum of Contemporary Art Ghent (S.M.A.K.), M HKA (Antwerp), Belfius Art Collection (Brussels), Museum Ixelles (Brussels), as well as at curated temporary exhibitions at Maison Particuliere, Villa Empain, Vanhaerents Art Collection, etc.

Where can I buy: Jos Jamar Gallery, Guy Pieters Gallery

Belgium Artists of Belgium (Belgian artists)

Kingdom of Belgium

“Modern Belgian painting. Artists of Belgium"

Belgian and contemporary artists.

Belgium!
Belgium! Country Belgium!
Belgium! State of Belgium!
Belgium! The official name of the Belgian state is the Kingdom of Belgium!

Belgium! The Kingdom of Belgium is a state in Northwestern Europe.
Belgium! The Kingdom of Belgium is a member of the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO).
Belgium! The Kingdom of Belgium covers an area of ​​30,528 km².
Belgium! Kingdom of Belgium! Today the kingdom is home to more than 10 million people. The vast majority of Belgium's population is urban - approximately 97% already in 2004.
Belgium! Kingdom of Belgium! The capital of the Belgian kingdom is the city of Brussels.
Belgium! Kingdom of Belgium! Belgium is bordered to the north by the Netherlands, to the east by Germany, to the southeast by Luxembourg, and by France to the south and west. The Kingdom of Belgium in the northwest has access to the North Sea.
Belgium! Kingdom of Belgium! The form of government in Belgium is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, the form of administrative-territorial structure is a federation.

Belgium History of Belgium
Belgium Prehistoric period
Belgium History of Belgium The oldest traces of the presence of hominids on the territory of future Belgium were discovered on the Allambe hill, in the vicinity of Mount Saint-Pierre (Sint-Petersburg) in the province of Liege, and date back to approximately 800 thousand years ago.
Belgium History of Belgium In the period 250-35 thousand years BC. e. The territory of Belgium was inhabited by Neanderthals, mainly in the provinces of Liege and Namur.
Belgium History of Belgium Around 30,000 BC. e. Neanderthals disappear, replaced by Cro-Magnons. The last glaciation in this area ended approximately 10,000 BC. e. At that time, the sea level in these places was significantly lower than at present, so there was a land connection between Belgium and modern England, which later disappeared.
Belgium History of Belgium During the Neolithic era, active silicon mining was carried out in Belgium, as evidenced by the prehistoric Spienne mine.
Belgium History of Belgium The first signs of the Bronze Age in Belgium date back to around 1750 BC. e.
Belgium History of Belgium Since the 5th century BC. e. and before the beginning of AD e. On the territory of Belgium, the Gallic-speaking La Tène culture flourishes, maintaining trade and cultural ties with the Mediterranean. From here, Gallic-speaking tribes expanded eastward, all the way to Asia Minor. The word “Belgium” itself comes from the name of the Gallic tribe of Belgae, who inhabited this country at the beginning of our era. Among the tribes that inhabited the territory of Belgium, the Eburones, Aduatics, Nervii, and Menapes are known from historical sources.

Belgium History of Belgium
Belgium Roman period
Belgium History of Belgium In 54 BC. e. The territory of modern Belgium was conquered by the troops of the Roman emperor Julius Caesar and included in the Roman province of Gaul.
Belgium History of Belgium After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, in the 5th century the Roman province of Gaul was conquered by the Germanic Frankish tribes.

Belgium History of Belgium
Belgium History of Belgium before independence
Belgium History of Belgium In the Middle Ages, Belgium was part of the Duchy of Burgundy.
Belgium History of Belgium 1477-1556 During this period, the dynastic marriage of Mary of Burgundy introduced the Burgundian possession into the Holy Roman Empire.
Belgium History of Belgium 1556-1713 During these years, the territory of modern Belgium was under the control of Spain. The Thirty Years' War marked the beginning of the separation of Belgian territories from the Protestant Netherlands.
Belgium History of Belgium 1713-1792 The territory of modern Belgium was included in the Holy Roman Empire as the Austrian Netherlands.
Belgium History of Belgium 1792-1815 the territory of modern Belgium came under the control of France.
Belgium History of Belgium 1815-1830, the territory of modern Belgium was included, according to the decision of the Congress of Vienna, into the kingdom of the United Netherlands. However, many in Belgium were unhappy with the forced unification with the Netherlands (primarily the French-speaking population and the Catholic clergy, who feared the strengthening of the role of the Dutch language and the Protestant denomination, respectively).

Belgium History of Belgium
Belgium Belgian Revolution Belgian State
Belgium History of Belgium In 1830, as a result of the Belgian revolution, Belgium seceded from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1830, the proclaimed Kingdom of Belgium received its status as an independent state for the first time.
Belgium History of Belgium The Kingdom of Belgium began to intensively develop its economy after gaining independence. For example, Belgium became the first country in continental Europe to build the Mechelen-Brussels railway in 1835.
Belgium History of Belgium Belgium suffered greatly during the First World War. The Belgians still call this war the “Great War.” Although most of Belgium was occupied, throughout the war Belgian and British troops held a small part of the country, sandwiched between the North Sea and the Iser River.
Belgium History of Belgium The history of the Belgian city of Ypres is especially tragic - during the war it was almost completely destroyed. Here, near the city of Ypres, poisonous gas (chlorine) was used for the first time in the history of wars. And the mustard gas used two months later was named after this city.
Belgium History of Belgium On April 3, 1925, an agreement was concluded between Belgium and the Netherlands to revise the 1839 treaty. Abolition of Belgium's long-standing neutrality and demilitarization of the port of Antwerp.
Belgium History of Belgium Second World War (1940-1944). During World War II, the Germans occupy Belgium. The Belgian government flees to England, and King Leopold III is deported to Germany, having signed the instrument of surrender on May 28, 1940. During the German occupation, a regime of German military control was introduced in Belgium under the command of General von Falkenhausen.
Belgium History of Belgium The liberation of Belgium from German troops begins on September 3, 1944 with the entry of British troops into Brussels. On February 11, 1945, Belgium began to operate its own government.

Belgium History of Belgium
Belgium Kingdom of Belgium Modern history of Belgium
Belgium History of Belgium April 4, 1949 The Kingdom of Belgium joins NATO.
Belgium History of Belgium In 1957, the Kingdom of Belgium joined the European Economic Community (EEC).

Belgium Belgian culture

Belgium Culture of Belgium A feature of the cultural life of Belgium is the absence of a single cultural field.
Belgium Culture of Belgium In fact, cultural life in the Belgian kingdom is concentrated within linguistic communities. There is no national television, newspapers or other media in Belgium.

Belgium Belgian culture Belgian art
Belgium Belgian Art
Belgium Already during the Renaissance, Flanders became famous for its painting (Flemish primitives).
Belgium Later, the famous artist Rubens lived and worked in Flanders (in Belgium, the city of Antwerp is still often called the city of Rubens). However, by the second half of the 17th century, Flemish art gradually declined.
Belgium The new rise of painting in Belgium dates back to the periods of romanticism, expressionism and surrealism. World-famous Belgian artists: James Ensor (expressionism and surrealism), Constant Permeke (expressionism), Leon Spilliaert (symbolism).
Belgium The most famous artist in Belgium is undoubtedly René Magritte, considered one of the most important representatives of surrealism.
Belgium On June 2, 2009, a new museum of the Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte (1898-1967) opened in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts complex in Brussels. The exhibition includes approximately 250 works. The new museum became the largest exhibition of paintings by Rene Magritte in the world.

Belgium Belgian culture Belgian art
Belgium Belgian Art Belgian Artists Belgian Painting
Belgium! Artists of Belgium (Belgian painters and sculptors), painters of Belgium (Belgian masters of painting) are well known throughout the world and paint beautiful paintings. The work of Belgian artists is very diverse. Belgian artists (Belgian painters) often exhibit their works at international exhibitions around the world, including in Russia.

Belgium! Artists of Belgium (Belgian artists) worthily support the historical traditions of the Belgian school of painting.
Belgium! Artists of Belgium (Belgian artists) Our gallery presents the works of interesting and talented artists living in Belgium.

Belgium! Artists of Belgium (Belgian artists) Artists of Belgium and their work deserve the close attention of true art lovers.
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Belgium! Artists of Belgium (contemporary Belgian artists) In our gallery you can find and order beautiful and interesting works by the best Belgian artists and the best Belgian sculptors!

There are several museums along the road. In this article I will tell you about the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels. Or rather, it is a whole complex consisting of six museums.

Four in the center of Brussels:

*Museum of Ancient Art.
A remarkable collection of old masters from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
The main part of this collection consists of paintings by southern Dutch (Flemish) artists. Masterpieces by such masters as Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts, Hans Memling, Hieronymus Bosch, Lucas Cranach, Gerard David, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens, Rubens and others are presented...
The collection originated during the French Revolution, when many works of art were seized by the occupiers. A significant part was transported to Paris, and from what was stored, a museum was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801. All confiscated valuables returned from Paris to Brussels only after the deposition of Napoleon. Since 1811, the museum became the property of the city of Brussels. With the emergence of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands under King William I, the museum's funds expanded significantly.

Robert Campin. "Annunciation", 1420-1440

Jacob Jordaens. Satyr and Peasants", 1620

*Modern Art Museum.
The contemporary art collection covers works from the late 18th century to the present day. The collection is based on works by Belgian artists.
The famous painting by Jacques-Louis David - The Death of Marat can be seen in the old part of the museum. The collection illustrates Belgian neoclassicism and is based on works dedicated to the Belgian revolution and the founding of the country.
It is now presented to the public in the form of temporary exhibitions in the so-called “Patio” room. These allow regular rotation of contemporary art works.
The museum houses Salome by Alfred Stevens, the most famous representative of Belgian impressionism. Also presented are such famous works as “Russian Music” by James Ensor and “The Tenderness of the Sphinx” by Fernand Knopf. Among the 19th century masters presented in the museum, the masterpieces of Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Gustave Courbet and Henri Fantin-Latour stand out. French painting of the late 19th century. represented by “Portrait of Suzanne Bambridge” by Paul Gauguin, “Spring” by Georges Seurat, “The Cove” by Paul Signac, “Two Disciples” by Edouard Vuillard, the landscape by Maurice Vlaminck and the sculpture “Caryatid” by Auguste Rodin, “Portrait of a Peasant” by Vincent van Gogh (1885). ) and “Still Life with Flowers” ​​by Lovis Corinth.

Jean Louis David. "The Death of Marat", 1793

Gustav Wappers. "Episode of September Days", 1834

*Magritte Museum.
Opened in June 2009. In honor of the Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte (November 21, 1898 – August 15, 1967). The museum's collection includes more than 200 works from oils on canvas, gouache, drawings, sculptures and painted objects, as well as advertising posters (he worked for many years as a poster and advertising artist at a paper products factory), vintage photographs and films shot by Magritte himself.
At the end of the 20s, Magritte signed a contract with the Brussels Galerie Sento and thereby devoted himself entirely to painting. He creates the surreal painting “The Lost Jockey,” which he considered his first successful painting of this kind. In 1927 he organized his first exhibition. However, critics recognize it as unsuccessful, and Magritte leaves for Paris, where he meets Andre Breton and joins his circle of surrealists. He acquires a signature, unique style by which his paintings are recognized. Upon returning to Brussels, he continues his work in a new style.
The museum is also a center for research into the legacy of the surrealist artist.

*Museum of the “end of the century” (Fin de siècle).
The museum brings together works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the so-called "fin de siècle", mainly with an avant-garde character. Painting, sculpture and graphics, on the one hand, but also applied arts, literature, photography, cinema and music on the other.
Mostly Belgian artists are represented, but also works by foreign masters that fit into the context. Works by artists who were members of the great progressive movements of Belgian artists of the time.

And two in the suburbs:

*Wirtz Museum
Wiertz (Antoine-Joseph Wiertz) - Belgian painter (1806-1865). In 1835, he painted his first significant painting, “The Struggle of the Greeks with the Trojans for the Possession of the Corpse of Patroclus,” which was not accepted for an exhibition in Paris, but aroused great delight in Belgium. She was followed by: “Death of St. Dionysius”, the triptych “Entombment” (with figures of Eve and Satan on the doors), “Flight into Egypt”, “Indignation of the Angels” and the artist’s best work, “The Triumph of Christ”. The originality of the concept and composition, the energy of the colors, the bold play of light effects and the wide stroke of the brush gave the majority of Belgians a reason to look at Wirtz as the revivalist of their ancient national historical painting, as the direct heir of Rubens. The further he went, the more eccentric his plots became. For his works, mostly of enormous size, as well as for experiments in the use of matte painting he invented, the Belgian government built him an extensive workshop in Brussels. Here Wirtz, who did not sell any of his paintings and lived only on portrait orders, collected all his, in his opinion, capital works and bequeathed them, along with the workshop itself, as a legacy to the Belgian people. Now this workshop is the “Wirtz Museum”. It stores up to 42 paintings, including the above-mentioned six.

*Meunier Museum
The museum was opened in honor of Constantin Meunier (1831-1905), who was born and raised in a poor family of immigrants from the Belgian coal-mining region of Borinage. Since childhood, I was familiar with the difficult social situation and often miserable existence of miners and their families. Meunier captured his impressions of the life of the mining region in plastic forms that demonstrate a working man as a harmoniously developed personality. The sculptor developed an image of a worker that reflects his pride and strength, and who is not ashamed of his profession as a loader or docker. While recognizing a certain idealization with which Meunier created his heroes, one must also recognize his enormous historical merit in the fact that he was one of the first masters to make the central theme of his work a man engaged in physical labor, showing him as a creator full of inner dignity.

culture

Belgian artists

The peak of painting in Belgium occurred during the Burgundian rule in the 15th century. During the Renaissance, artists painted portraits with intricate details. These were life-like and non-idealized paintings, in which the artists tried to achieve maximum realism and clarity. This style of painting is explained by the influence of the new Dutch school.

For Belgian painting, the 20th century became the second golden age. But artists have already retreated from the principles of realism in painting and turned to surrealism. One of these artists was Rene Magritte.

Belgian painting has ancient traditions, of which the Belgians are rightfully proud. The Rubens House Museum is located in Antwerp, and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts is located in Brussels. They became a manifestation of the deep respect the Belgians have for their artists and ancient traditions in painting.

Flemish primitivists

Even at the end of the Middle Ages, Europe began to pay attention to painting in Flanders and Brussels. Jan Van Eyck (circa 1400-1441) revolutionized Flemish art. He was the first to use oil to make permanent paints and mix paints on canvas or wood. These innovations made it possible to preserve paintings longer. During the Renaissance, panel painting began to spread.

Jan Van Eyck became the founder of the school of Flemish primitivism, depicting life in bright colors and movement on his canvases. In the Ghent Cathedral there is a polyptych altar "Adoration of the Lamb", created by the famous artist and his brother.

Flemish primitivism in painting is characterized by particularly realistic portraits, clarity of lighting, and careful depiction of clothing and fabric textures. One of the best artists who worked in this direction was Rogierde la Pasture (Rogier van der Weyden) (circa 1400-1464). One of the famous paintings by Rogirde la Pastura is “The Descent from the Cross”. The artist combined the power of religious feelings and realism. Rogierde la Pasture's paintings inspired many Belgian artists who inherited the new technique.

The capabilities of the new technology were expanded by Dirk Bouts (1415-1475).

The last Flemish primitivist is considered to be Hans Memling (c. 1433-1494), whose paintings depict Bruges in the 15th century. The first paintings depicting industrial European cities were painted by Joachim Patinir (circa 1475-1524).

Bruegel Dynasty

Belgian art at the beginning of the 16th century was greatly influenced by Italy. The artist Jan Gossaert (circa 1478-1533) studied in Rome. To paint pictures for the ruling dynasty of the Dukes of Brabant, he chose mythological subjects.

In the 16th-17th centuries. The biggest influence on Flemish art was the Bruegel family. One of the best artists of the Flemish school was Pieter Bruegel the Elder (circa 1525-1569). He arrived in Brussels in 1563. His most famous works are canvases depicting comical figures of peasants. They provide an opportunity to plunge into the world of the Middle Ages. One of the famous paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Younger (1564-1638), who painted canvases on religious themes, is “The Census of Bethlehem” (1610). Jan Brueghel the Elder (1568-1625), also called “Velvet” Bruegel, painted complex still lifes depicting flowers against a background of velvet draperies. Jan Brueghel the Younger (1601-1678) painted magnificent landscapes and was a court artist.

Artists of Antwerp

The center of Belgian painting in the 17th century moved from Brussels to Antwerp - the center of Flanders. This was largely influenced by the fact that one of the first world-famous Flemish artists, Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), lived in Antwerp. Rubens painted magnificent landscapes, paintings with mythological themes and was a court artist. But his most famous paintings depict buxom women. Rubens' popularity was so great that Flemish weavers created a large collection of tapestries depicting his magnificent paintings.

Rubens' student, the court portrait painter Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641), became the second artist from Antwerp to achieve world fame.

Jan Brueghel the Elder settled in Antwerp, and his son-in-law David Teniers II (1610-1690) established the Academy of Arts in Antwerp in 1665.

European influence

In the 18th century, Rubens' influence on art still remained, so there were no significant changes in the development of Flemish art.

From the beginning of the 19th century, the strong influence of other European schools on the art of Belgium began to be felt. François Joseph Navez (1787-1869) added neoclassicism to Flemish painting. Constantin Meunier (1831-1905) gave preference to realism. Guillaume Vogels (1836-1896) painted in the style of impressionism. A supporter of the romantic direction in painting was the Brussels artist Antoine Wirtz (1806-1865).

Antoine Wirtz's disturbing, distorted and blurred paintings, such as Hasty Cruelty, painted around 1830, mark the beginning of surrealism in art. Fernand Knopf (1858-1921), known for his disturbing portraits of unsavory women, is considered an early representative of the Belgian Symbolist school. His work was influenced by Gustav Klimt, the German romantic.

James Ensor (1860-1949) was another artist whose work moved from realism to surrealism. His canvases often depict mysterious and creepy skeletons. Society of artists "LesVingt" (LesXX) in 1884-1894. organized an exhibition of works by famous foreign avant-garde artists in Brussels, thereby revitalizing cultural life in the city.

Surrealism

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the influence of Cezanne has been felt in Belgian art. During this period, Fauvists appeared in Belgium, depicting bright landscapes drenched in the sun. A prominent representative of Fauvism was the sculptor and artist Rick Wouters (1882-1916).

In the mid-twenties of the 20th century, surrealism appeared in Brussels. Rene Magritte (1898-1967) became a prominent representative of this movement in art. Surrealism began to develop in the 16th century. The phantasmagoric paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Bosch were painted in this style. There are no guidelines in Magritte’s paintings; he defined his surrealist style as “a return from the familiar to the alien.”

Paul Delvaux (1897-1989) was a more outrageous and emotional artist, his canvases depicting whimsical, elegant interiors with misty figures.

The CoBRA movement in 1948 promoted abstract art. Abstractionism was replaced by conceptual art, led by Marcel Brudthaers (1924-1976), a master of installations. Brudthaers depicted familiar objects, such as a saucepan filled with mussels.

Tapestries and lace

Belgian tapestries and lace have been considered luxury for six hundred years. In the 12th century, tapestries began to be made by hand in Flanders, and later they began to be made in Brussels, Tournai, Oudenaarde and Mechelen.

From the beginning of the 16th century, the art of lace making began to develop in Belgium. Lace was woven in all provinces, but lace from Brussels and Bruges was most valued. Often the most skilled lacemakers were patronized by aristocrats. For the nobility, fine tapestries and exquisite lace were considered a sign of their status. In the 15th-18th centuries. lace and tapestries were the main export products. And today Belgium is considered the birthplace of the best tapestries and lace.

The Flemish cities of Tournai and Arras (today located in France) became famous European weaving centers by the beginning of the 13th century. Crafts and trade developed. The technique made it possible to do more delicate and expensive work; threads of real silver and gold began to be added to wool, which increased the cost of the products even more.

A revolution in the production of tapestries was made by Bernard Van Orley (1492-1542), who combined Flemish realism and Italian idealism in his drawings. Later, Flemish masters were lured to Europe, and by the end of the 18th century, all the glory of Flemish tapestries passed to the Parisian factory.

Belgium all year round

The Belgian climate is typical of northern Europe. It is for this reason that celebrations can take place both on the street and at home. The weather conditions perfectly allow the capital's artists to perform, both in stadiums and in ancient buildings. The people of Belgium know how to take advantage of the changing seasons. For example, in the summer, a flower festival opens in the capital. The Grand Place is covered with millions of flowers every second August. The opening of the dance, cinema and theater season occurs in January. Premieres from “drive-in cinemas” to old abbeys await their viewers here.

In Brussels you can watch various festivals take place all year round. Here you can see luxurious, full of life historical processions. They have been held every year since medieval times. The latest experimental art from Europe is showcased here.

Holidays

• New Year - January 1
• Easter - floating date
• Clean Monday - floating date
• Labor Day - May 1st
• Ascension - floating date
• Trinity Day - floating date
• Spiritual Monday - floating date
• Belgium National Day - July 21st
• Dormition - August 15
• All Saints' Day - November 1st
• Truce - November 11
• Christmas - December 25

Spring

As spring days lengthen in Belgium, cultural life picks up. Tourists are starting to come here. Music festivals take place right on the street. When the city parks bloom, the tropical greenhouses of Laiken, which are known throughout the world, are opened to visitors. For the significant holiday of Easter, Belgian chocolate makers are busy preparing all kinds of sweets.

• International Fantasy Film Festival (3rd and 4th week). Lovers of miracles and strangeness can expect new films in cinemas throughout the capital.
• Ars Music (mid-March - mid-April). This holiday is one of the best European festivals. Famous performers come to see it. Concerts often take place at the Museum of Old Masters. All music connoisseurs are present at this festival.
• Euroantica (last week). Heysel Stadium is full of visitors and sellers who want to buy or sell antiques.
• Easter (Easter Sunday). There is a belief that before Easter, church bells fly to Rome. When they return, they leave Easter eggs in the fields and forests especially for the children. Thus, every year, more than 1,000 painted eggs are hidden by adults in the Royal Park, and children from all over the city gather to search for them.

April

• Spring Baroque on Sablon (3rd week). Young Belgian talent gathers at the famous Place de la Grande Sablon. They perform music from the 17th century.
• Royal Greenhouses in Laiken (12 days, dates vary). When cacti and all sorts of exotic plants begin to bloom, the private greenhouses of the Belgian royal family are opened to the public. The premises are made of glass and trimmed with iron. A large number of all kinds of rare plants are kept here from bad weather.
• Festival in Flanders (mid-April - October) This festival is a musical feast in which all kinds of styles and trends are mixed. More than 120 famous orchestras and choirs perform here.
• "Screen Scenes" (3rd week - end). New European films are presented daily especially for viewers.

• Celebrating Europe Day (7-9 May). Due to the fact that Brussels is the European capital, this is once again emphasized at the holiday. For example, even Mannequin Piece is dressed in a blue suit, which is decorated with yellow stars.
• Künsteen Arts Festival (9-31 May). Young theater actors and dancers participate in this festival.
• Queen Elizabeth Competition (May - mid-June). This music competition brings together fans of the classics. This competition has been running for over forty years. Young pianists, violinists and singers perform there. Famous conductors and soloists choose the most worthy performers among them.
• 20 km race in Brussels (last Sunday). Conducting jogging in the capital, in which more than 20,000 amateurs and professional runners actively participate.
• Jazz rally (last day off). Small jazz ensembles perform in bistros and cafes.

Summer

In July, the season of court splendor opens in Ommengang. This is a fairly old custom. A huge procession moves through the Grand Place and surrounding streets. At this wonderful time of year you can hear music of various styles. Performers can play music in various places, for example in the huge King Baudouin stadium in Heysel or in small café bars. On the day of Independence Day, all Belgians come to the Midi fair. It takes place in an area where trays are installed and paths are constructed.

• Brussels Summer Festival (early June - September). Concert programs take place in famous ancient buildings.
• Festival in Wallonia (June - October). A series of gala concerts in Brussels and Flanders allows us to present to the audience the most talented young Belgian soloists and orchestra members.
• Festival of cafe "Cooler" (last week). Over the course of three days, a very fashionable program takes place in a converted Tour-e-Taxi warehouse. The audience can expect African drummers, salsa, ethnic music and acid jazz.
• Music Festival (last day off). For two weeks in a row, benefit performances and concerts are held in city halls and museums dedicated to world music.

July

• Ommegang (1st day off in July). Tourists come from all over the world to see this action. This festival has been taking place in Brussels since 1549. This procession (or, as it is called, “detour”) goes around the Grand Place, all the streets that are adjacent to it, and moves in a circle. More than 2000 participants take part here. The costumes transform them into Renaissance city dwellers. The parade passes by high-ranking Belgian officials. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
• Jazz-folk festival "Brosella" (2nd weekend). The festival takes place in Osseghem Park. All the famous musicians from Europe come to it.
• Summer Festival in Brussels (July - August). At this time of year, musicians play classical works in the Lower and Upper Towns.
• Midi Fair (mid-July - mid-August). The fair is held at the famous Brussels Gardu-Midi station. This event runs for a month. Children really like it. This fair is considered the largest in Europe.

• Belgium Day (21 July). A military parade is held in honor of Independence Day, which has been celebrated since 1831, followed by fireworks in Brussels Park.
• Open days at the Royal Palace (last week of July - 2nd week of September). The doors of the Royal Palace open to visitors. This event is held for six consecutive weeks.

August

• Maypole (Mayboom) (August 9). This festival dates back to 1213. Participants in this action dress up in huge costumes - dolls. The procession passes through the Lower City. It stops at the Grand Place, then a maypole is placed there.
• Flower carpet (mid-August, once every 2 years). This holiday takes place every other year. This is a tribute to floriculture in Brussels. The entire Grand Place is covered with fresh flowers. The total area of ​​such a carpet is approximately 2000 m².

Autumn

In autumn, Belgians' entertainment activities move indoors - to cafes or cultural centers where they can listen to modern music. During Heritage Days, the public has the opportunity to enjoy architecture by visiting private houses that are not open to the public at other times and viewing the collections housed there.

September

• Mannequin Piece's birthday (last day off).
• The famous sculpture of the pissing boy is dressed in another suit, donated by some high-ranking foreign guest.

• Festival "Happy City" (first weekend).
• At this time, about 60 concerts are held in three dozen of the best Brussels cafes.
• "Botanical Nights" (last week).
• The French cultural center "Le Botanique", located in the former greenhouses of the Botanical Garden, hosts a series of concerts that will delight all lovers of jazz music.
• Heritage Days (2nd or 3rd day off).
• For a few days, many protected buildings and private homes, as well as closed art collections, open their doors to visitors.

October

• Audi Jazz Festival (mid-October - mid-November).
• The sounds of jazz are heard throughout the country, diluting the autumn boredom. Local performers perform, but some European stars often perform at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels.

Winter

In winter in Belgium it usually rains and snows, so almost all events during this period are moved indoors. Art galleries host exhibitions of world significance, and at the Brussels Film Festival you can see the work of both famous masters and young talents. Before the Christmas holidays, the Lower Town is decorated with bright illuminations, and on Christmas, Belgian tables are decorated with traditional dishes.

• "Sablon's Nocturne" (last day off). All shopping centers and museums in Place Grand Sablon do not close until late in the evening. Horse-drawn carts travel throughout the fair, carrying customers, and on the main square everyone can taste real mulled wine.

December

• St. Nicholas Day (December 6).
• According to legend, on this day the patron saint of Christmas, Santa Claus, comes to the city, and all Belgian children receive sweets, chocolate and other gifts.
• Christmas (December 24-25).
• Like other Catholic countries, Christmas in Belgium is celebrated on the evening of December 24th. Belgians exchange gifts and then go to visit their parents the next day. All kinds of Christmas attributes decorate the streets of the capital until January 6th.

January

• King's Day (January 6).
• On this day, special almond “royal cakes” are prepared, and everyone looks for the pea hidden there. The one who finds it is declared king for the entire festive night.
• Brussels Film Festival (mid-end of January).
• Premiere screening of new films with the participation of European film stars.

February

• Antiques Fair (2nd and 3rd week).
• Antiques sellers from all over the world gather at the Palace of Fine Arts.
• International Comics Festival (2nd and 3rd week).
• Comic book writers and artists flock to the city, which has had a strong influence on the art of comics, to share their experiences and showcase new work.