Belgium & The Netherlands

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

BELGIUM

& THE

NETHERLANDS

In Search of Flourishing Genre Painting

O c t o b er 1 1 t o 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Six centuries ago, the artists of the Low Countries developed a completely original style— painting everyday objects in such intricate detail that gold gleams, jewels sparkle, and you can almost feel the softness of velvet. Please join us next fall on an exciting exploration of the art of Belgium and the Netherlands, as we journey from Brussels to Amsterdam in search of flourishing genre painting.

We are delighted that Inés Powell, Met Lecturer, will be joining us. An engaging speaker who has led several Travel with the Met programs over the years, Inés will draw on her expertise in seventeenthcentury European painting to enhance our enjoyment of the many masterworks we will view.

T R AV E L H I G H L I G H T S Iconic museums, including The Hague’s Mauritshuis and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum (both recently reopened after extensive renovations) Masterpieces that can only be viewed in situ, such as the Van Eyck brothers’ Ghent altarpiece, Rubens’ Descent from the Cross, and Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring

TRAVELING WITH YOU

Inés Powell was still in graduate school at the Institute of Fine Arts in 1981 when she conducted her first Gallery Talk at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since then, she has developed a particular passion for teaching art history. A native of Spain, Inés has lectured for the Metropolitan for over 30 years. She frequently speaks about different areas of the Met’s collection as well as special exhibitions, and her entertaining talks have gained a large following of regular attendees.

A private tour of the interiors and gardens of the fourteenth-century Château de Beloeil, guided by Prince Wauthier de Ligne A hands-on class in Belgium’s famous chocolatemaking techniques An exclusive viewing of the Panorama Mesdag, offering a unique, 360-degree perspective of nineteenth-century life in a Dutch seaside town, followed by a private dinner Tours of the homes-turned-museums of Rubens, Rembrandt, and the renowned collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh Unique, lesser-known collections at Brussels’ David and Alice van Buuren House, The Hague’s Escher in Het Paleis, and Haarlem’s Teyler Museum

We hope to welcome you on this enchanting immersion in Flemish art and culture.

Sincerely,

Emily K. Rafferty President T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM

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BELGIUM

& THE

NETHERLANDS

In Search of Flourishing Genre Painting October 11 to 21, 2015 ________________________

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Buildings on the Grand Place, Brussels

NEW YORK

BRUSSELS

Sund ay, Oc tober 11

Wednesd ay, October 14

Depart New York on an overnight flight to Brussels.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Mond ay, October 12 Arrive in Brussels and transfer to the five-star Hotel Amigo, located just off the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful public squares. Discover the area around the Grand Place on a morning walking tour. After lunch at leisure, visit the David and Alice van Buuren House, to see the wonderful Art Deco interior, impressive collection of 15th- to 20thcentury paintings, and lovely gardens designed by René Péchère. Gather at the hotel this evening for introductory remarks by Inés Powell, followed by our welcome dinner.

BRUSSELS Tuesd ay, October 13 Attend a lecture by Inés Powell before visiting the Museum of Fine Arts to view one of the world’s finest collections of Flemish paintings, including works by Rogier van de Weyden and Hieronymous Bosch. After lunch on the Grand Place, drive to Ghent to visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Bavo and view its greatest treasure, the 15th-century Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Ghent Altarpiece) by the Van Eyck brothers.

Return to Brussels where dinner is at leisure.

B ELGIUM

& THE

This morning travel through the countryside for a private tour of the magnificent 14th-century Château de Beloeil and gardens, guided by Prince Wauthier de Ligne. Enjoy lunch in the stunning dining room of the château. Return to Brussels and conclude the day with a delicious hands-on demonstration of renowned Belgian chocolate-making techniques.

BRUSSELS THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS Thursd ay, October 15 Today we explore Antwerp, long known as a center of the diamond trade, and also a city of artistic gems. View the 17th-century Rubens House and cathedral, where the painter’s justly famous Descent from the Cross is on display.

The collector Fritz Mayer van den Bergh dedicated his life to art and we will see his home which became an intimate gallery space for masterpieces from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Following lunch, visit the Rockox Museum, once the home of Nicolass Rockox, a 17th-century patron of the arts who admired Rubens, and other masters including Pieter Bruegel, Antoon van Dyck, and Frans Snijders, whose works are represented in this fine collection. In the late afternoon, continue to The Hague and the elegant Hotel des Indes. Dinner is at the hotel.

N ETHERLANDS

THE HAGUE Fr id ay, Oc tober 16 With over 30 museums, The Hague is an art lover’s treasure house. We begin at the newly reopened Mauritshuis Museum, home to the very best of Dutch Golden Age painting including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Continue to the Bredius Museum. Recognized as the father of Dutch art history (and Director of the Mauritshuis from 1889–1909), Bredius bought atypical paintings by 17th-century masters, including Rembrandt and Jan Steen. After lunch at leisure, visit Escher in Het Palace, a museum dedicated to the works of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher and housed in the former Winter Palace of Queen Emma of Holland. This evening a private visit and dinner at Panorama Mesdag are planned. Our behind-thescenes look at this spectacular circular canvas depicting the seaside resort of Scheveningen as it looked in the 1880s, promises to be a special highlight.

THE HAGUE ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS Rubens House, Antwerp

Saturd ay, Oc tober 17 Following a morning lecture, drive to nearby Rotterdam.

Largely rebuilt after World War II, Rotterdam is justly famous for its cutting-edge architecture. A panoramic city tour takes us past buildings by Renzo Piano, Piet Blom, and Rem Koolhaas. Then visit the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum to discover a comprehensive survey of art from the early Middle Ages to the 21st century. View the special exhibit From Bosch to Bruegel–The Birth of Genre Painting. There will also be an opportunity to take a drawing class with one of the museum’s teachers. This evening in The Hague, you may wish to try one of the popular Indonesian restaurants for a traditional rijstaffel dinner.

THE HAGUE AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS Sund ay, October 18 Drive to the charming town of Haarlem, where morning visits include the Frans Hals Museum and Teyler Museum. The oldest museum in the Netherlands, the Teyler displays over two centuries of cultural history, including art and scientific instruments. There will be time for lunch on your own and to explore Haarlem before continuing to Amsterdam and the luxurious InterContinental Amstel Hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

The Hague I N S EARCH

OF

F LO U R I S H I N G G E N R E P A I N T I N G

AMSTERDAM Tuesd ay, October 20 Drive through the countryside of central Holland on an excursion to Het Loo Palace, beautifully restored to its original 17th-century glory. The lovely gardens and interior of this former royal residence recreate the life of Dutch monarchs of the House of Orange Nassau. Return to Amsterdam for a festive farewell dinner at the hotel.

AMSTERDAM

NEW YORK

Wednesd ay, October 21

This morning transfer to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for the flight home.

Amsterdam canal

AMSTERDAM Mond ay, October 19 After a morning lecture by Inés Powell, visit the Rijksmuseum, the recently renovated State Treasury of Dutch paintings.

Following lunch at leisure, visit the Rembrandt House Museum and gain insight into the artist’s daily life and work. Conclude the afternoon with a private canal cruise, including a traditional cheese tasting with a connoisseur. Relax as you taste a variety of samples, each paired with a different wine. The evening is at leisure.

Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART Belgium & the Netherlands

O c t obe r 11 t o 21, 2015

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Photo by bastan

David and Alice Van Buuren House, Brussels

Medieval Ghent

P RO G R A M R AT E $9, 9 95 per person, double occupancy

S I NG L E SU P P L E M E N T $1, 6 45 RATE INCLUDES Nine nights hotel accommodations, as per itinerary Buffet breakfast daily, five lunches, and five dinners with bottled water and coffee / tea; wine and beer with dinner Escorted sightseeing and entrance fees Airport / hotel / airport group transfers; porterage for one suitcase per person Gratuities to local guides and drivers NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer at dinners; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; excess baggage charges; meals not specified; transfers for those not on suggested flights; any other items not specifically included.

TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested flights, or individual requests for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,000 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check or wire transfer only, must be received 120 days prior to departure.

HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible and climbing in and out of various conveyances.

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On the front and back covers: The Windmill by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn). (Dutch, Leiden 1606– 1669 Amsterdam) Prints, etching. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Gift of Felix M. Warburg and his family, 1941. (41.1.12). On the back cover: the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (bottom).

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BELGIUM & THE NETHERLANDS October 11 to 21, 2015

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