In the autumn of 2026, M will, for the first time, highlight the artistic exchange between Italy and the Low Countries in the sixteenth century. Featuring masterpieces from renowned international museums, the exhibition tells the fascinating story of mutual influence, virtuoso craftsmanship, and a drive for innovation.

Pioneers in the Low Countries

In the early 16th century, pioneers such as Jan Gossaert, Pieter Coecke van Aelst and Cornelis Floris introduced the Italian Renaissance to Flanders. Gradually, Flemish sculptors left the Gothic style behind for good. In the exhibition, you will be introduced to Jacques Dubroecq, the Low Countries’ first true Renaissance sculptor. After his trip to Italy, this court artist of Mary of Hungary became the first to put into practice what he saw across the Alps. The work of transitional figures such as Jacques Jonghelinck also features prominently in the exhibition.

Fiamminghi across the Alps

The Renaissance made its way to Flanders, but many Flemish artists also made their way to Italy. Giambologna (Jean [de] Boulogne) crossed the Alps never to return. He developed an innovative and influential oeuvre from his studio in Florence. His workshop became a magnet for talent from the North, including Pietro Francavilla, Johann Gregor van der Schardt and Adriaen De Vries. Around 1575, Flemish artists with Italian-sounding names, such as Egidio Della Riviera, Nicolo Pippi and Coppe Fiammingo, were equally influential in Rome.

Due to their unique blend of technical expertise and artistic ingenuity, the influence of these scultori fiamminghi [Flemish sculptors] swept across Europe, from the Scandinavian countries to the Spanish court.

Masterpieces

In the exhibition, sixteenth-century sculptures from M’s collection shine alongside other masterpieces from international museums, such as the Bargello and the Uffizi (Florence), the Louvre (Paris), the V&A (London), the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), the Prado (Madrid), the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Vienna), the Vatican collections, and works from various churches and private collections.