Not Only Bruegel and Rubens: The Painting of the Low Countries at Wawel

Following the spectacular exhibition of royal tapestries made in Brussels for King Sigismund August, Wawel Royal Castle presents a fascinating selection of artworks from the same region: 31 paintings from its own collection and from the National Museum in Gdańsk. The panorama of works from the days of the great masters of the Renaissance and Baroque, Bruegel and Rubens, also serves as a review of the tastes of the increasingly wealthy burghers of Northern Europe and the evolving European art market.

“During the 16th and the first half of the 17th century, Southern Netherlands – now part of Belgium – was one of Europe’s most important artistic centres. The booming art market was driven by economic growth. Antwerp’s favourable location at the intersection of Europe’s merchant routes and its extensive privileges for merchants and artisans, as well as its dynamic financial market with international reach, all contributed to intensive trading and the city’s rapid growth. It was an important market of art, and local collectors assembled the first cabinets d’amateurs filled with paintings, sculptures and other artworks, with art lovers from other cities and countries soon following in their footsteps,” says Dr. Joanna Winiewicz-Wolska, curator of the exhibition and director of the Painting Collections at Wawel Royal Castle.

The exhibition forms a part of the Representative Royal Chambers and presents artworks painted for local magnates and wealthy burghers. They include works by acclaimed masters and those made by busy imitators. “Painting of the Netherlands of the 16th and early 17th century is not just Bruegel and Rubens – it also include numerous other artists who worked hard to meet the growing demand for luxury goods,” adds the curator.

VISITOR INFORMATION
location: Wawel Royal Castle, 2nd floor; admission with valid ticket to the State Rooms