A Romantic View

Detail from 'Dorpsfeest' - Basile de Loose, 1838 © Rademakers-collection

M presents a collection of approximately seventy paintings that provide a unique overview of 19th century Dutch and Flemish painting. The technique of the artists of the little-known Romantic School of Painting was excellent and they produced sublime, picturesque gems: Barend Cornelis Koekkoek, Andreas Schelfhout, David de Noter, Fredrik Marinus Kruseman, Jacob Abels, Basile de Loose, Petrus van Schendel. The thematically arranged exhibition introduces visitors to five specific subjects: genre works, architecture works, the landscape, the seascape and the nocturne.

The works are part of the private collection of Belgian-Dutch art lover Jef Rademakers. The former television producer and writer has gathered an important collection of Romantic paintings from the Low Countries over the past decades.

© Rademakers-collectie

Look at the photos in the photo album

Daily Life

We see a nineteenth century interior. Full of admiration, an older man watches a young girl as she winds wool. The artist has depicted the kitchen with great attention to detail. This gives us an excellent idea of daily life in the nineteenth century.

Cityscape

Romantic painters were not particularly concerned about the topographic accuracy of their cityscapes or landscapes. What Van Hove depicts on this canvas is not actually Deventer, but only the most beautiful elements of Deventer brought together to form one cityscape. The painting is thus far more beautiful than reality.

Seascape

A wooden raft with castaways braves the wild sea. The sea
assails the defenceless victims. Battles with the overwhelming
forces of nature are a typical theme of the Romantic period.

Landscape

Just as in the cityscape, this landscape is constructed from
the most beautiful elements the artist recorded in sketches
while travelling and exploring. The ruin in the landscape refers
to the temporary, transient nature of human creations. This is a
typically Romantic concern.

Nocturne

In a time when electric light had not yet infiltrated the darkness,
the night was still very mysterious. The abandoned ruin with the
monk gives this enigmatic night tableau a religious aspect.

Exclusively for this exhibition, master biscuit makers Jules
Destrooper & M have designed a set of three unique, limited
edition biscuit tins.
They are also available at the M-shop.
Price: € 7.50/tin | € 20 /3 tins

Audio Guide

An audio guide will take you on a romantic tour of the exhibition. Taking it easy while
listening and looking at the artworks, you will discover more about the Romantic
period and the various genres in which the artists were specialised. The audio guide
is available in Dutch, English and French. The Dutch version was read by Chantal Pattyn.
Price included in the € 9 and € 7 ticket.

Children’s Quiz

Our youngest visitors can also embark on a romantic adventure with our specially made children’s quiz. Solve the questions by examining the paintings carefully and
you might win a children’s party at M!
Available free of charge at the reception desk.

Catalogue

On the occasion of the exhibition, M is publishing a richly illustrated catalogue with contributions from various authors, including Jef Rademakers himself, Prof. Dr. Katlijne Van der Stichelen (K.U.Leuven), Dr. Benno Tempel (Director of the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague) and Dr. Jan de Meere (former Visiting Professor
at K.U.Leuven).
Available at the M-shop | Published in Dutch, English and French | Price: € 24.90 | Become an M-bassador and receive a free copy of the catalogue!

Leuven will be more romantic than ever this summer. In addition to the exhibition, between 24 June and 4 September you can lighten your heart in this city full of romance on a new walking or cycling tour through picturesque landscapes, a warm welcome or a lunch concert at Saint Peter’s Church or the city opera house.

In co-operation with a number of hotels, the Leuven Tourism Office has worked out a number of romantic holiday arrangements. Explore the historic centre, wander through the alleys of the Great Beguinage and enjoy the summer on one of the many pleasant terraces. History, culture, cuisine, a cosy stay… Let yourself be seduced in and by Leuven. More information is available on the website of the Leuven Tourism Office.

During the exhibition A Romanic View you will travel to M on your B-Day trip. For sale in all
NMBS stations. Go to the website of the NMBS for more information.

Partner of the exhibition