Children of the Renaissance
Museum Hof van Busleyden - 26.03. 2021 to 04.07.21
For half a century, the child voices of several political protagonists of sixteenth century Europe echoed behind the walls of the Hof van Kamerijk in Mechelen. The exhibition titled 'Children of the Renaissance' tells the remarkable story of this household of children.
In the Hof van Kamerijk, three generations of Burgundian-Habsburg princes and princesses, including Philip the Fair, Margaret of Austria and the future Charles V, grew up. They were groomed to play prominent roles in the Habsburg world empire. Children from all over Europe came to Mechelen as playmates for the Habsburg Princess, including the future Queen of England, Anne Boleyn. The Habsburg princes and princesses had the best teachers, the finest clothes, the most exquisite toys and the best books. They wanted for nothing. But were they truly happy?
Prominent painters such as the master of the Saint George Gild of Mechelen, Pieter van Coninxloo, the Master of the Magdalene Legend and Jan Gossart captured the children of the Hof van Kamerijk in all their fragility. Delicate faces. Mysterious gazes. These children were pawns in a political game over which they themselves had no influence. The portraits also played a significant role in marriage negotiations and the quest for more power.
‘Children of the Renaissance’ brought a selection of these 15th- and 16th-century panels back to Mechelen, often for the first time in five hundred years. Along with books, toys, jewellery and other special objects, they brought to life the Habsburg childhood of 500 years ago.
Curator of Children of the Renaissance
This exhibition was curated by Dr. Samuel Mareel (Museum Hof van Busleyden) and was nominated in 2021 for the International Exhibition of the Year by the Museum+Heritage Awards, one of the most prestigious awards for exhibitions worldwide.
Publication of Children of the Renaissance
A publication of the same name was released for this exhibition by Uitgeverij Lannoo, featuring contributions from Samuel Mareel, Till-Holger Borchert, Hilde De Ridder-Symoens, Annemarieke Willemsen and others.
Partners of Children of the Renaissance
The 'Children of the Renaissance' exhibition benefited from the High Protection of his Majesty the King.
It was realised with the support of the Raphaël De Smedt Fund, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation. The Raphaël De Smedt Fund is dedicated to the dissemination and promotion of the work of the painter and sculptor Jan De Smedt. This it achieves by means such as a website, academic work and exhibitions of Jan de Smedt's artworks. The Fund also supports cultural initiatives from institutions in Mechelen.
With thanks to Klara, De Standaard and Knack.
