ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

British Museum Showcases 120 Rare Early Netherlandish Drawings Through September 20

exhibition · 2026-07-26

The British Museum in London is currently showcasing the "Early Netherlandish Drawings" exhibition, which presents approximately 120 exceptional works from renowned artists such as Rogier van der Weyden, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Lucas van Leyden, and Hendrick Goltzius. This exhibition will remain open until September 20 and stems from a five-year research project exploring the significance of drawing in the Low Countries between 1400 and 1600. Dr. Olenka Horbatsch, the curator involved, emphasized the exhibition's contribution to the understanding of Renaissance art. Additionally, an illustrated catalog has been published by British Museum Press to accompany the exhibition.

Key facts

  • Early Netherlandish drawings is on view at the British Museum in London through September 20.
  • The exhibition brings together around 120 rare works by artists including Rogier van der Weyden, Lucas van Leyden, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Hendrick Goltzius.
  • The show traces the changing role of drawing in the Low Countries between 1400 and 1600.
  • It is the result of a five-year research project combining art history, conservation, and scientific analysis.
  • Discoveries include a reattribution to Bruegel and evidence of surprising materials used by Northern Renaissance artists.
  • Dr. Olenka Horbatsch is Curator of Dutch, Flemish, and German Prints and Drawings before 1800 at the British Museum.
  • Between about 1400 and 1600, drawing transformed from a practical workshop tool into an art form valued in its own right.
  • An illustrated catalog is available via British Museum Press.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Low Countries

Sources