Musée d'Art Ancien

Musée d'Art Ancien Review

In the first of three interconnected art museums, the Ancient Art Museum pays special attention to the so-called Flemish Primitives of the 15th century, who revolutionized the art of painting with oil. The Spanish and the Austrians pilfered some of the finest works, but there's plenty left by the likes of Memling, Petrus Christus, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hieronymus Bosch. The collection of works by Pieter Bruegel the Elder is outstanding; it includes The Fall of Icarus, in which the figure of the mythological hero disappearing in the sea is but one detail of a scene in which people continue to go about their business. Bruegel the Younger's wonderful Fight between Carnival and Lent is also here. There are English-language brochures and guided tours available, as well as an excellent brasserie.