Bruegel to Rubens: Great Flemish Drawings

The Bruegel to Rubens exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford will feature over 100 world-class drawings created by Flemish artists in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The catalogue will provide an insightful and comprehensive overview of how these drawn sheets were used as part of artistic practice, focusing on their function rather than attribution or iconography. The exhibition is a partnership with the Museum Plantin-Moretus in Antwerp and will bring together the most stunning drawings from both collections, including works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jacques Jordaens. Highlights will include a sketchbook by Rubens, intricate pen and ink drawings by Bruegel, miniatures by Joris Hoefnagel, portrait studies by van Dyck, and a rare survival of a friendship album. Two recently discovered sheets by Rubens will also be included.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Ashmolean Museum

This comprehensive catalogue accompanies the highly anticipated Bruegel to Rubens exhibition, scheduled to take place at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford from March 23, 2024, to June 23, 2024. Through a selection of over 100 world-class drawings created by Flemish artists during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the catalogue offers an insightful and comprehensive exploration of the artistic practices and functions of these drawn sheets. By focusing on the drawings' purpose rather than their attribution or iconography, the catalogue aims to enhance the understanding and appreciation of these artworks through the eyes of contemporary readers.

The three main essays in the catalogue delve into the principal functions of drawings during that period: studies (copies and sketches), designs for other artworks (paintings, prints, tapestries, metalwork, stained glass, sculpture, and architecture), and independent drawings. Each essay discusses relevant works within their respective functional context, comparing them with other related objects. Introductory chapters provide an in-depth exploration of what constitutes a drawing, including its materials, media, and techniques. Additionally, the catalogue delves into the notion of Flanders and Flemish art, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of Flemish artists and their networks, friendships, and travels across Europe.

The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Ashmolean Museum and the Museum Plantin-Moretus in Antwerp, bringing together the most stunning drawings from both collections for the first time. The exhibition will showcase a remarkable array of artworks, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of Flemish artists during the Renaissance period.

By presenting this catalogue, the Ashmolean Museum aims to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artistic achievements of Flemish artists, while also fostering a greater appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Flanders and Belgium.

Weight: 1176g
Dimension: 220 x 280 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910807590