Old art collection
OUR old art collection
M manages a large and diverse collection of old art. The collection is closely linked to the history of Leuven and the former Duchy of Brabant. Many of the pieces were made in Leuven's municipal workshops or derive from the estates of private individuals and religious institutions in Leuven. M manages collections of the City of Leuven, parish councils, OCMWs and the Flemish Community and others.
Two focuses
Our collection of old art has two main focuses: the late Middle Ages and Renaissance with artists such as Dieric Bouts, Jan II Borman, Pieter Coecke van Aelst, Michel Coxcie and Joos van Cleve, and the nineteenth and early twentieth century, with big names like Constantin Meunier, Jef Lambeaux, Anto Carte, Armand Rassenfosse and Edgard Tytgat. M carries out scientific research into various aspects of the collection.
St Peter's Church
M also manages the patrimony of Leuven St Peter's Church, a textbook example of Brabant Gothic. The church has an exceptional ensemble of art treasures on display with the triptychs 'The Last Supper' and 'The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus' by Dieric Bouts being the absolute highlights.
M's masterpieces
M's collection includes 18 recognised masterpieces. These are rare and indispensable works with special archaeological, historical, cultural-historical, artistic or scientific significance. The Flemish Masterpieces Decree ensures that these unique works stay in Flanders.
M's masterpieces include 'The Last Supper' and 'The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus' by Dieric Bouts, the late-medieval hour and calendar dial and the Triumphal Cross Ensemble by Jan II Borman in St Peter's Church.