In praise of folly: on the fool and the jester in Flemish art According to medieval theologians, faith is a deadly serious business. Humour and virtue are irreconcilable, because laughter is uncontrollable and escapes the control of reason. A modest smile is permitted. But laughing loudly, grinning (...)
Breathtaking work by Hans Memling, the Flemish Primitive in Bruges The Flemish Primitive artist Hans Memling (c. 14351494), who played a crucial role in early Netherlandish painting, is inextricably associated with Bruges. Among his most impressive creations are the St John Altarpiece and the St (...)
Margaret, Duchess of Parma (15221586), an extraordinarily fascinating figure, has slipped through the cracks of history until recently. As the illegitimate daughter of Charles V, she had a rather unusual start in life. In time, however, Margaret became one of the most powerful women in Italy, (...)
Iconic portraits and fashion imagery of leading international photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn I photograph mostly personalities, but fashion is more and more part of it. We all make a decision in the morning about what to wear, even if it is just a hat or a black T-shirt. Fashion is not (...)
The book accompanying the once-in-a-lifetime exhibition in Vienna about Rembrandt van Rijn and his brilliant student Samuel van Hoogstraten Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn and his work are explored from the perspective of his most important and exceptionally innovative pupil Samuel van Hoogstraten. Van (...)
The garden of the Rubenshuis is a hidden gem in the heart of Antwerp. This is where the world-famous artist lived and relaxed with his family and entourage. Here Rubens chatted with Isabella and later with Helena. This is also where he welcomed his guests and where his children played, enveloped in (...)
Topwerk van Titiaan ontleed door specialistenAl in zijn eigen tijd was de status van de Venetiaanse schilder Titiaan (1488-1576) legendarisch. Hij werkte op de grens tussen de renaissance en de barok en werd vereerd op gelijke voet met de groten der aarden. Zijn picturale stijl, buitengewone (...)