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Masterpieces in prime condition: the Mayer van den Berghs and their art conservators

A large art collection also means a great responsibility. The archives of the Mayer van den Berghs show that Fritz and Henriëtte took the conservation of their collection extremely seriously. What did a proper restoration mean to them? How did they choose their select circle of conservators? What was it like dealing with them?

Helping hands

In TV shows like The Highest Bid and Four Rooms, buying and selling works of art seems easier than ever. In the time of Fritz Mayer van den Bergh, things were a little different. How did Fritz still manage to build such an impressive collection, with work from all over Europe? And who helped him do that?

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Highlights

We have selected the works you definitely shouldn’t miss. You will be astonished, moved and awe-struck by these masterpieces.

Pieter’s son Pieter

Pieter’s two sons also become painters. Jan Bruegel went his own way and became a famous painter of landscapes, animals, flower arrangements, and so on. He also worked closely with and was a good friend of his fellow Antwerper Rubens. Pieter Bruegel the Younger, Jan’s older brother, mainly copied work by his father.

Pieter’s son Pieter

Pieter’s two sons also become painters. Jan Bruegel went his own way and became a famous painter of landscapes, animals, flower arrangements, and so on. He also worked closely with and was a good friend of his fellow Antwerper Rubens. Pieter Bruegel the Younger, Jan’s older brother, mainly copied work by his father.

Radiant miniatures

IN DEPOT | In 1898, in purchasing a beautifully illustrated prayer book, Fritz Mayer van den Bergh spent the highest sum he ever paid out: 35,500 francs, a fortune at the time. He knew what he was doing: this is an absolute masterpiece. It is now named after him.

Lifelike

IN RESTORATION | Cradles like this were usually found in nunneries. At Christmas time, the sisters would rock the cradle as if there was a real baby in it.

Intimate portrayal of Jesus

IN RESTAURATION | It’s a moving scene: Jesus’ favourite apostle, John, rests his head on Christ’s chest. He puts his right hand into that of his master. And Jesus puts his arm around John’s shoulder.

A bigger house for Fritz's collection

Museum and residence reunited

Museum Mayer van den Bergh is expanding. The adjacent corner house, once the parental home of art collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh and until 2021 Antwerp's district house, will become part of the museum. A new extension at the back of the building completes the whole. The museum will close from April 23, 2025, for necessary renovations, but don't worry, you can still visit (part of) the exceptional collection at the nearby Maagdenhuis. Reopening is scheduled for 2029.