Anyhoodies

  Would you like to learn more about the First World War in Flanders? Have you ever been to some of the First World War trenches? Or do you have an idea what the  trench art  is? Spending a weekend in Ypres definitely sparked an interest in me to learn more about that dark period of the world’s history. So, I decided to explore it more by visiting the Hooge Crater Museum, one of the most interesting First World War museums in Flanders. Visiting Hooge Crater Museum Hooge Crater is a privately owned museum dedicated to the First World War. It’s located some four kilometres (a bit less than two miles) from Ypres, in a small village called Hooge. It’s a great idea for a short trip if you’re visiting Ypres. But, it’s also easily reachable from anywhere in Flanders. Being proclaimed the best private museums in Flanders Fields, and with its exhibition nominated for the Heritage Prize of the province of West Flanders, it’s a museum you definitely shouldn’t miss while visiting tha...

  Ghent Altarpiece is one of the most distinguished artworks in the world. It was made by one of the most famous Flemish masters, Jan van Eyck, six hundred years ago. Located in the Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting that charming Belgian town. Ghent Altarpiece But why the Ghent Altarpiece is such a famous piece of art? And what is so special about it? Who made the Ghent Altarpiece? © Visit Flanders One of the reasons for its fame is the master painter who made it. Ghent Altarpiece was created by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Although art historians still argue about who painted what, most of them agree that Hubert designed it, while Jan did all the painting after his brother’s death. Jan van Eyck is one of the most acclaimed painters in history because he truly revolutionized the art world. He improved oil painting, so it became one of the most popular painting techniques in the western world. He belongs to the international Gothic style. But, w...

  Pieter Bruegel the Elder is one of the most interesting Flemish painters. Born in today’s the Netherlands, he spent most of his life in Belgium. There are still many places linked to his life and museums with his paintings in Brussels and Antwerp. To help you find them, here is a little guide on where to see the paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder in Belgium. Where to see the paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder in Belgium At the beginning of November 2019, I’ve spent two days in Brussels and  Antwerp  exploring the life and work of this fascinating artist. I thought I knew quite a lot about him before my trip, but I was proved entirely wrong. Today he’s famous for his detailed paintings with peasants and monsters as the main protagonists. Angels becoming demons, fish with a belly full of smaller fish, spiders playing the instruments and all the different kinds of monsters painted in the most creative way… All of them could be seen on Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s paint...