Belgian art is notable for its close ties to literature, particularly during the 19th century. The country's cultural life, which was largely non-institutionalised, encouraged collaboration between artists and writers. This led to painters illustrating the works of writer friends and even family links between the two worlds. The ‘Salon of the writer-painters or the Violins of Ingres’ exhibition in Brussels (1908) epitomised this relationship.
Key Movements
12 movements shaped belgian art.
Key Artists
Key Ideas
-
Intertwined Disciplines
During the 19th century, the lines separating artistic disciplines were blurred in Belgium. The country's small size and non-institutionalised cultural life fostered close relationships between artists and writers. This resulted in collaborations, such as painters illustrating the works of writers.
-
Luminism
Belgian Luminism emerged around 1900, characterised by its use of light and colour to create atmospheric effects. Emile Claus was a key figure, using Impressionistic techniques to capture the nuances of light in the Belgian countryside.
-
Expressionism
Belgian Expressionism, particularly during the early 20th century, saw artists using bold colours and distorted forms to convey emotion. Constant Permeke is a notable example, known for his depictions of rural life and the working class.
Museums in Belgium
20 museums.
Brussels (2)
- 65 artists
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
Brussels, Belgium
- 18 artists
King Baudouin Foundation
Brussels, Belgium
Bruges (2)
- 33 artists
Groeningemuseum
Bruges, Belgium
- 13 artists
Musea Brugge
Bruges, Belgium
Antwerp (3)
- 12 artists
M HKA - Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen
Antwerp, Belgium
- 5 artists
Museum Plantin-Moretus
Antwerp, Belgium
- 2 artists
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal
Antwerp, Belgium
Ghent (2)
- 85 artists
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK)
Ghent, Belgium
- 5 artists
Society for the Museum of Contemporary Art
Ghent, Belgium
District of Antwerp (2)
- 76 artists
Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
District of Antwerp, Belgium
- 1 artists
Rubenshuis
District of Antwerp, Belgium
Citadelpark (1)
- 52 artists
Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst
Citadelpark, Belgium
Ostend (1)
- 29 artists
Mu.ZEE - Kunstmuseum aan Zee
Ostend, Belgium
Nachtegalen Park (1)
- 20 artists
Middelheim Museum
Nachtegalen Park, Belgium
Rue Jean van Volsem - Jean van Volsemstraat (1)
- 11 artists
Museum of Ixelles
Rue Jean van Volsem - Jean van Volsemstraat, Belgium
Grand Hornu (1)
- 9 artists
Wallonia-Brussels Federation Museum of Contemporary Arts
Grand Hornu, Belgium
Féronstrée et Hors-Château (1)
- 8 artists
Liege Fine Arts Museum
Féronstrée et Hors-Château, Belgium
Nassau Chapel (1)
- 5 artists
Royal Library of Belgium
Nassau Chapel, Belgium
Belgium (1)
- 2 artists
French Community of Belgium
Belgium, Belgium
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (1)
- 1 artists
Stoclet Palace
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Belgium
All Belgian Artists
15 artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Belgium's greatest contribution to art?
Belgium made a notable contribution to the development of Luminism. Emerging around 1900, this style focused on the study of light and colour, often depicting the Belgian countryside. Emile Claus was a leading artist, adapting Impressionistic techniques to capture the effects of light.Who are the most important Belgian artists to know?
Emile Claus is a key figure in Belgian Luminism, known for his Impressionistic style. Constant Permeke was a major Expressionist painter, depicting rural life with bold colours. You can view their work, and that of others, at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels.Which Belgian artist is underappreciated?
Evelyne Axell, active in the 1960s, is an underappreciated Pop artist. Her work challenged conventional representations of women, using innovative materials like coloured Plexiglas. Axell's contribution to Pop Art deserves greater recognition.When did Belgium develop a distinctive national style?
Belgium began to develop a distinctive national style in the 19th century, following its independence in 1830. This involved a search for a 'Belgian soul' in the arts, with literature and painting playing a vital role. The close relationship between the two disciplines helped shape a unique cultural identity.
Love what you see? Take it home.
See all art prints →