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Posts tagged ‘Belgium’

Jan 5

Vincent van Gogh - The Sower
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Van Gogh 2015: 125 Years of Inspiration

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art-focused travel blogs to post on a common theme.  This month we are discussing the 2015 Art Outlook.  Check out all the stories below!

Van Gogh 2015If you’re like me, then you spend January contemplating where to go in the New Year.  Do you plan several small trips close to home, or is this the year of the big, adventure getaway?  While you think about that, let me try to tempt you with a few art pilgrimages options to see one of the greatest painters of Western Art – Vincent Van Gogh.  In honor of the 125th anniversary of his death this year, several superb museums in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France will be hosting events and exhibits celebrating his unique and visionary art.

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Feb 10

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Saint John’s Hospital and Hans Memling, Bruges

St. John’s Hospital in Bruges is an excellent example of when preservation and art exhibition are done correctly.  A former pilgrim’s hospital, the grand hall and church have been transformed into a museum.  The space exhibits art and medical objects from the history of the clinic, plus a very special section dedicated to Bruges’ most famous resident and Flemish Primitive painter Hans Memling.

Memling Museum, St. John's Hospital, Bruges

Memling Museum, St. John’s Hospital, Bruges

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Jul 31

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Belgian Chocolate Overload

Most countries are known for a culinary specialty.  If I mention Italy, Japan or Argentina, you probably imagine pasta, sushi and fantastic steaks.  If we think about Belgium, then I definitely picture amazing chocolate!  I was in Bruges the week before Easter so all the shops had out their best holiday treats.  Not only is Bruges beautiful in March and has its own sculpture by Michelangelo, but it has incredible sweets!

belgian chocolate eggs

Lovely packaged, truffe-filled Belgian chocolate eggs ready for Easter at Depla Chocolaterie, Bruges

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May 30

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Michelangelo in Bruges

In recent years, my travels have focused on the Mediterranean with trips to Greece, Turkey and Italy.  I love ancient Roman art and the Italian Renaissance, but I thought it was time to diversify a bit.  With a trip to Amsterdam and Belgium, I thought I could now finally spend some time with Dutch Primitives, also known as the art of the Northern Renaissance.  And then look what I find tucked away in the Low Countries: a real Michelangelo!

Michelangelo's Madonna of Bruges at the Church of Our Lady in Bruges

Michelangelo’s Madonna of Bruges at the Church of Our Lady in Bruges (Adapted from Jean-Pol Grandmont on Wikimedia)

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May 22

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The Ghent Altarpiece in Person

Some people travel to new countries to expand the percentage of the world they’ve seen.  Some less adventurous but equally ambitious travelers try to visit all 50 US States, all the Major League baseball parks or some other coherent list of places.  Personally, I travel to see art.  Jan van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece was high on my “To Do List”.  Sadly, efforts to protect and preserve the work really interfered with my enjoyment of the painting, making this art pilgrimage a little disappointing.

St John the Baptist, Ghent Altarpiece

My favorite panels are the three mystic figures in the upper central section of the altarpiece – Mary, God the Father/Jesus, and St. John the Baptist (shown). (Photo: Wikicommons)

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