The art produced in the Flanders region of Belgium between the 15th and 17th centuries, by Flemish Masters like Jan van Eyck, helped to put this area of the country on the map.
Due to the important part it played in the Primitive, Renaissance, and Baroque art movements, Flanders is well-known for its art and architecture, and different pieces are admired around the globe. With artists at the time being praised for their amazing skill and creativity, it is unsurprising that people still flock to Flanders to see their work to this day.
Although some Flemish art has made its way to different parts of the world, Flanders remains the best place to see and celebrate it. Here, you can immerse yourself into the lives of the artists, see where they lived and worked, and discover what inspired them to make such impressive pieces. In 2020, there is a focus on the artist Jan van Eyck in Flanders, and many events and exhibitions are being held which will allow visitors to learn all about this famous Flemish Master.
Who was Jan van Eyck?
Jan van Eyck was one of the Flemish Masters, and lived between 1390 and 1441. With immense skill in using oil paint, and fantastic attention to detail, van Eyck produced a range of works that continue to attract admirers from Belgium and beyond. Known for his portraits of realism, and being one of the first artists to sign their paintings, van Eyck helped artists to rise to a more favourable position in society.
One of Jan van Eyck’s most famous works is the Ghent Altarpiece ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ which was commissioned for Saint Bavo’s cathedral in Ghent. You will find plenty of links to Ghent as you look into van Eyck’s life, but there’s also lots to discover in Bruges where he lived and worked for many years. For example, Bruges’ Groeninge Museum is a must-visit for those following van Eyck’s life through Flanders, as this small but jam-packed attraction is full of amazing works of art created across six centuries. Bruges is also home to Jan van Eyck Square. Once the city’s old harbour, this square is home to a statue of the artist, plus charming facades and a pretty canal.
Jan van Eyck events in Flanders 2020
Throughout 2020, the region of Flanders will be hosting a number of exhibitions and events that celebrate the Flemish Masters, most notably Jan van Eyck. Many of these will be taking place in Bruges and Ghent, which is very convenient as you can easily reach Ghent by train within 30 minutes when you choose to stay in the beautiful city of Bruges.
Here, we share some of the events in Flanders during 2020 that you might like to visit for yourself:
The Ghent Altarpiece comes Home – The Return of the Lamb
17th January 2020 – 26th June 2020 – St Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent
As previously mentioned, one of Jan van Eyck’s best-known works is the Ghent Altarpiece ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’. This world-famous 12-panel polyptych was completed in 1432 with the assistance of the artist’s older brother, Hubert, and has been seen by millions of people throughout the years. In the lead-up to the opening of a new Visitor Centre at St Bavo’s cathedral in June 2020, the restored central panel of the Mystic Lamb will available for all to admire in a new location within the cathedral.
Jan van Eyck in Bruges
12th March 2020 – 12th July 2020 – Groeninge Museum, Bruges
Visit the Groeninge Museum in Bruges where you’ll be able to see the Jan van Eyck exhibition between 12th March and 12th July 2020. Devoted to two masterpieces by Van Eyck: Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele and Portrait of Margaret van Eyck, this exhibition will give you the opportunity to find out more about the artist and his time in Bruges. See authentic documents and discover technical research which shows how van Eyck planned and created his paintings, including some of the radical changes that he sometimes made.
7 Senses Tour
1st April 2020 – 31st October 2020
For something a little different, take yourself on the 7 Senses tour which will take you around Ghent and introduce you to the city through Jan van Eyck’s eyes. Designed to encourage you to use all of your five senses, plus your sixth sense and movement, this city walking tour offers a unique sensory experience which you can enjoy while you discover the beauty of Ghent itself. You’ll also be shown a number of stunning street art pieces, which were inspired by Jan van Eyck and his famous Ghent Altarpiece, by artists such as Pastel and Strook who created impressive murals.
Now that you know where you can discover Jan van Eyck in Flanders, book your Hull to Rotterdam or Dover to Calais crossing with P&O Ferries and start planning your cultural trip today.
