This museum houses Fritz Mayer van den Bergh’s extensive and eclectic art collection. Who was Mayer van den Bergh? He was an avid art collector who lived with his mother until he died unexpectantly at age 43. After his death in the early 1900’s, his mother built this museum next door to their residence. If this was built to house all his stuff, then their house must have been enormous!
From a philistine’s (my) point of view, the only compelling works are the Bruegels and Aertsens. The rest of the art collection is ho-hum. There are many 17th century portraits, which were all the rage among the new, moneyed bourgeoisie, historical furnishings, antiquities, applied arts, sculptures, small boxes, religious items and painted stained glass incorporated into the leaded glass windows.
Mayer van den Bergh, Antwerp, Belgium
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