Art Guide - Antwerp
When you visit Antwerp’s Grand Place (Grote Markt) you will undoubtedly notice the central fountain statue (visible in the header image) depicting a man about to toss a human hand.
Don’t be alarmed, this is simply in reference to legend, and is not to be confused with local tradition or standard practice.
The man represented is Silvius Brabo, a Roman soldier who famously killed the malicious giant Druon Antigoon, but not before cutting off his hand and throwing it into the river Scheldt.
In Dutch, “to throw a hand” is directly translated as “Handwerpen.” If you lose the “H” you get “Antwerpen,” the Dutch name for the city.
Antwerp is Belgium’s second largest city, where charm and adventure awaits your visit. This Medieval haven is stock full of history, mystery and intrigue, so take a walk on the wild side and explore the quaint streets, but alas, think of the art!
For just as folklore resonates from the cobble-stone paths and surrounding waters, the history of art runs deep in Belgium’s roots, and will certainly appeal to your imagination.
Where to begin?
Blooming Flower Earrings c. 1960s., Belle Epoque Brooch c. 1900
Some like to claim Antwerp as the city of diamonds, and that might help to explain the copious jewellery shops nestled throughout the city. Around and beyond the impressive Antwerpen-Centraal railway station, you can’t help but notice the many shops specialising in diamonds and jewellery.
Aptly named the diamond quarter, this path of shops will lead you directly to the historic city centre, and perhaps along the way to our friends at Adin Fine Antique Jewellery.
Adin is a fine destination for anyone hoping to find a unique and precious piece. Specializing in 19th century French antique jewellery, Adin has operated from its Antwerp location since 1983 and continues to welcome new and returning visitors to its shop on Vestingstraat 16.
Buddha Sakyamuni, Thailand, Sukhothai Kingdom c.1300 AD, bronze, H 98 cm., Buddharaja, Thailand, Lopburi c.1200 AD, bronze, H 35 cm.
Marcel Nies is a foremost expert on Asian art specifically in the Indian, Himalayan and South East Asian regions. The extensive collection, and reputation, of Marcel Nies Oriental Art has consistently grown since it was established in 1972.
The showroom located on Lange Gasthuisstraat 28 operates by appointment, so don’t hesitate to call ahead and visit this unforgettable collection of rare and remarkable pieces, and discover the incredible world of Asian antiques.
Images courtesy of Leonhard's Gallery, from L to R: David Yarrow, Eric Ceccarini, Jürgen Lingl-Rebetez and Michael Kenna.
Located close by, Leopoldstraat is chalk-full of galleries and antique shops awaiting your discovery. Leonhard’s Gallery demands a visit from contemporary art lovers, as one of the best contemporary art galleries in Antwerp representing a multitude of international talent.
Great names along the lines of David Yarrow, Eric Ceccarini, Jürgen Lingl-Rebetez and Michael Kenna are featured in the spacious setting, located directly across from the Botanical gardens at Leopoldstraat 45.
Where has the Stockbroker Gone, Willy Verginer, bronze & gold., Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu, Willy Verginer, acrylic paint & limewood.
Gallerease is proud to have Van Campen & Rochtus as one of its partners, and it’s no surprise why. This contemporary art gallery, owned and operated by Minneke Van Campen, is very selective of the international artists that is represents, and only showcases works of utmost quality in the form of paintings, sculptures and photography.
The gallery was founded in 2002 and recently moved to Leopold de Waelplaats 24a in the city's south end. Van Campen & Rochtus is directly across from the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, so you can visit this welcoming gallery while on your visit and purchase a work of art to take home with you - as a momento of your new favourite city.
Looking for more?
Antwerp has some fantastic art museums, and I would highly recommend that you find the time to visit the world’s only museum that has been officially named a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Plantin-Moretus is located in the centre of Antwerp, so after gawking at the impressive Brabo monument, you can spend some quality time at this 16th-century building.
The Plantin-Moretus Museum was founded as a printing company, and many of the original printing tools are still preserved at the museum located close at Vrijdagmarkt 22-23, approximately five minutes on-foot from the Grand Place.
If you're a fan of sculpture and the outdoors, then perhaps you should take a stroll outside the city centre of Antwerp towards Middelheim park, where the city's Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum awaits you.
Here you can explore some beautifully curated sculptures in the outdoor museum space. Next to park Vogelenzang and Den Brandt, this massive green space can be enjoyed accompanied by a picnic basket on a warm summer's day.
Stay tuned for our upcoming City Guide - Düsseldorf.
