Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

From 21st of May, the Spilliaert room will welcome you into the poetic and mysterious world of the Belgian painter, illustrator and draughtsman. In this part of the museum, new displays of modern works on paper (19th century – today) are regularly shown. The artwork of Léon Spilliaert (Ostend 1881 - Brussels 1946), produced almost exclusively on paper, has a prominent place in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Most of it was acquired directly from the artist and his family. As a mark of recognition, this room which is dedicated to modern works on paper, is named after him. His work will be in dialogue with that of other artists in the collections.

This dialogue will begin with a #Focus1 on the BePaper research project. This will provide an initial overview and study of works on paper. In the interwar-period, art was constantly reinventing itself in Belgium: expressionism, constructivism, surrealism... Works on paper, once simple sketches, became creations in their own right. Affordable and versatile, this medium encouraged unprecedented artistic freedom, between figuration and abstraction.

Last but not least, the Rousseau Album also takes its place in this new room. Compiled in 1883 by Mariette Rousseau, the Rousseau Album brings together drawings and letters illustrated by James Ensor. A unique testimony to a friendship and an era, it has now been given a new lease of life thanks to a meticulous restoration by KBR and the RMFAB.

Because of their fragility, the duration of the presentations is limited and the light is reduced.