Heads on Shoulders

"Heads on Shoulders" is the 1st exhibition of monumental Baroque sculpture since 1977, the International Rubens Year in Antwerp. The exhibition highlights every aspect of portrait busts in 17th and 18th century art in the Low Countries. The starting point is the bust as a genre. Sculptures from the collections of the KMSKA, the Louvre and Rijksmuseum Amsterdam offer a unique insight into the exceptional artistry of Quellinus and Duquesnoys. These artists were unparalleled masters at such realistic sculptures and, not surprisingly, they achieved great international fame in their lifetime. This forthcoming exhibition of busts of mythical heroes and rulers, true-to-life portrait sculptures of famous writers, members of the bourgeoisie and voluptuous actresses will introduce you to the virtuosity of these artists. Paintings, engravings and drawings by Peter Paul Rubens and other renowned artists will further illustrate the significance and function of portrait busts in the Early Modern Era.