View of the exhibition Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools: Three Hundred Years of Flemish Masterworks. Photo MMFA, Denis Farley

Catarina Ykens II (1659-1737), Vanitas Bust of a Lady, 1688 © The Phoebus Foundation, Antwerp, Belgium

Step into a world where art comes alive with stories of passion, power, and piety. Starting in the 15th century, Flemish artists revolutionized the depiction of reality, storytelling, and human portrayal, leaving a global influence that persists today. The exhibition transports visitors to a transformative period between 1450 and 1750, when increased trade and travel set the stage for modern globalization. Cities like Bruges and Antwerp became cosmopolitan hubs of intellect and commerce. Antwerp, in particular, amassed immense wealth as a vital port between empires, giving rise to Europe’s first commercial art market. This entrepreneurial spirit in Flanders can be seen as the roots of today’s global arts market, which is currently valued at an estimated 557 billion US dollars.

What to see

The exhibition is divided into seven thematic sections, featuring approximately 150 works, including monumental paintings, sculptures, books, silverwork, and maps. Some pieces appear startlingly modern, with expressions and subjects that reflect the unchanging nature of humanity in all its glory—and, naturally, its folly.

         This captivating exhibition is a rollercoaster ride through a rebellious 300 years of Flemish history, guaranteed to captivate a new wave of art enthusiasts!

Katharina Van Cauteren, Chief of Staff of The Phoebus Foundation Chancellery

Step into the past as you explore religious art from the 15th and early 16th centuries. The art in this room is filled with symbolism and intricate details, offering a window into a time marked by disease and war. In such times of adversity, people turned to religion for solace and hope in eternal salvation. Discover how the Flemish used art to connect with higher powers, society and preserve their legacy.

The next section celebrates wealth and status through portraits, marking the dawn of the art patron. Highlights include Rubens’ commanding “Portrait of Archduke Albert of Austria” and Catharina van Hemessen’s “Portrait of a Lady.”

Jan Massys (1509-1575), Riddle: The World Feeds Many Fools, about 1530. © The Phoebus Foundation, Antwerp, Belgium

A fascinating section dedicated to paintings depicting fools and foolish behavior illustrates how artists used humor to moralize and entertain. In contrast to portraits of the wealthy, these works critique human flaws and weaknesses, offering a mirror to the society of the time – which seemed to be quite hedonistic.

After the thought-provoking folly room, visitors enter a beautifully displayed section inspired by mythology. Following the Italian Renaissance, Greek mythology became a fashionable subject in art, providing artists with epic tales of love, tragedy, and deceit. These stories offered rich material and often featured provocative themes. Picture the drama of gods and mortals brought to life through vivid brushstrokes and imaginative compositions.

The exhibition then highlights Flanders’ significance as a 17th-century cosmopolitan center of commerce and innovation. Navigation tools and maps join masterworks by Rubens and Van Dyck, whose dramatic styles reflect a society grappling with war and political instability. Anthony van Dyck was knighted by King Charles I of England, underscoring his prestige and influence beyond the art world.

The final section is a rich, immersive space inspired by art cabinets, elite collections found in the homes of the upper class during this era. These spaces, depicted in period paintings, invite visitors to consider the range of desires—to connect, to marvel, to possess—that fueled their creation. Step into an aristocratic home, surrounded by treasures that speak to a passion for art and culture, marking the birth of the modern art collector.

An exhibition not to be missed

“Saints, Sinners, Lovers and Fools: Three Hundred Years of Flemish Masterworks” offers a compelling journey of humanity and art, showcasing the profound perspectives of influential figures in the art world. This exhibition not only highlights the artistic achievements of Flemish masters but also explores the timeless themes of vice, virtue, desire, and folly that continue to resonate today. Whether you live in Montreal or are simply visiting, don’t miss this Canadian exclusive.

All images are courtesy of Montreal Museum  of Fine Arts.