Just across the Channel in the Belgian capital of Brussels, lies an exhibition that looks at the Symbolism in Belgium, a poetic and sometimes darker form of visual art. Rosie Khdir explores the origins of the 19th century movement.

From the end of March until 27th June 2010, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels is holding an exhibition called Symbolism in Belgium.

The exhibition includes over two hundred pieces and is based around original research done by its curator, Michel Draguet. The 2005 essay by Draguet, entitled ‘Le Symbolisme en Belgique’ explores the developments of the symbolist movement and how is contributed to the creation of the surrealist movement in Belgium.

Visitors can wander through the galleries of paintings and sketches by the likes of Rops, Spilliaert, Delville and Minne and discover the rich panorama of artistic creation at the turn of the century.

You can discover the relationships between the movement and its influences such as the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, decorative arts and Art Nouveau, which Brussels has since become the capital of.

Symbolic art work takes on many forms from portrait and landscape, to religion and dreams and emphasis in this particular exhibition is placed upon the movement’s relationship with literature.

Some particularly stunning artworks to look out for are Jean Delville’s The Angel of Splendours 1984 (pictured above), and The Tour of Hours or The Hours, 1890 by Xavier Mellery.

If you want to explore the symbolic art of Belgium, you can get there easily with P&O Ferries using the Hull – Zeebrugge route, or alternatively via Dover to Calais from where it is just a short drive along the E40 to the Belgian border. Prices start at just £30 for a car and up to nine people.

Image: The Angel of Splendours, Jean Delville

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