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Stroll through centuries of fine art at Mechelen's Eurantica

21:48 17/03/2017
The annual fine arts fair is returning to Mechelen with thousands of pieces of historical paintings, modern art, jewellery, antique furniture and vintage design

Scores of art galleries converge on Mechelen for the latest edition of the Eurantica Fine Art Fair, the eclectic, contemporary showcase of historical paintings, modern art, jewellery, antique furniture and vintage design.

The fair, a magnet for collectors, art dealers and interior designers, is now in its 36th edition. The mix is about 50% antiques, 10% ethnic art and 40% modern and contemporary art and design, with 60% from Belgian galleries and 40% from other European outlets.

Luc Darte, Eurantica’s exhibition manager says that the fair has a reputation for sophistication, daring and good taste. “It offers a wonderful journey throughout various periods and regions in the world,” he says. “Next to pieces from 18th-century France or 19th-century England, you can see African art, pre-Columbian art, European silver wear.”

This year is only the second to take place in Mechelen, at the 18,500 square-metre Nekkerhal, after decades in Brussels. Some 95 exhibitors are expected at this year’s event.

Around 22,000 visitors are expected, and organisers emphasise that strict vetting procedures by 25 art experts will ensure the high quality of pieces on offer. Among the exhibitors are antique French jewellery expert Véronique Malaise, Antwerp furniture specialist Frank Van Laer, Ghent ethnic art dealer Sophie Van Assche and Brussels jewellers Godelieve and Patrick Sigal.

There are also conferences in the margins of the fair, including a talk by Bozar’s head of exhibitions Sophie Lauwers and art historian Gilles Marquenie about the venue’s Pol Bury exhibition and by Ghent University professor Samuel Mareel about his job as curator for Mechelen’s new Hof van Busleyden museum.

18-26 March, Nekkerhal, Mechelen. Download our free guide to the fair here...

Written by Leo Cendrowicz