Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen has a particularly fine collection of early Netherlandish drawings that span the period from the late Middle Ages to the time known as the Dawn of the Golden Age. There are drawings by the greatest artists of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, including Jheronimus Bosch, Lucas van Leyden, Pieter Bruegel, Hendrick Goltzius, Karel van Mander, Jacques de Gheyn and Abraham Bloemaert.

This catalogue is the result of a long-term research project into this unique collection. More than 400 sheets have been catalogued over the last few years and have been accessible on the museum’s website since December 2012. A selection of 140 of the finest drawings appears in this book in colour with descriptions and supporting illustrations.

The collection history and the various functions of drawings are discussed in two introductory essays: designing compositions for prints, paintings or stained-glass windows, studies for parts of them, drawing clothes, folds and drapery, the human body and individual limbs, portraits, animals, plants, landscapes and seascapes. The selection includes magnificent historical, mythological and biblical scenes. The book covers a wide variety of techniques, providing a superb overview of early drawing in the Low Countries.

This catalogue accompanies the exhibition From Bosch to Bloemaert: Early Netherlandish Drawings
Part 1: 1 November 2014 – 25 January 2015
Part 2: 31 January 2015 – 26 April 2015
Part 3: 2 May 2015 – 26 July 2015

This publication is only available in English.