'Symbolism in Belgium'

Peeters, Nic, British Art Journal

'Symbolism in Belgium'

Musees royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, 26 March-27 June

According to Elizabeth Prettejohn, Symbolism is the link between the Pre-Raphaelites and Surrealism. The art generally known as 'Symbolism' flourished in quite a few European countries, but especially in France and Belgium around the turn of the previous century. It is generally agreed that Symbolism started with the publication of manifestos in Paris and Brussels during the year 1886. In Brussels the public came to know Symbolist art mainly through the annual exhibitions organised by the artistic associations of 'Les XX' and 'La Libre Esthetique'. These associations were truly international: they invited foreign artists to exhibit with them and their members showed their work in Paris, Venice, Weimar and Amsterdam among other European cities. They also kept a keen eye on the British art scene.

The Belgian Symbolists particularly admired both the first and second generation Pre-Raphaelites in Britain. In fact, the second generation, with Edward Burne-Jones at its centre, has for some years now been known as the 'British Symbolists'. There were many personal and artistic ties between the Belgian and British groups. Fernand Khnopff, the most famous Belgian Symbolist, was a friend of Burne-Jones and exhibited frequently at London's New Gallery, which was the most important platform for late Pre-Raphaelite art from 1888 till 1909. Other Belgian Symbolists such as Willy Schlobach and Jean …

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Publication information: Article title: 'Symbolism in Belgium'. Contributors: Peeters, Nic - Author. Journal title: British Art Journal. Volume: 11. Issue: 1 Publication date: Spring 2010. Page number: 112+. © 2007 British Art Journal. COPYRIGHT 2010 Gale Group.

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