A special exhibition titled “Rubens and Other Masters” at the National Museum of Korea is showcasing for the first time in Korea a collection of pieces from the Liechtenstein Museum, including major works by the acclaimed 17th century artist Rubens.

The collection includes some 120 paintings, sculptures, crafts and tapestries from the Renaissance, Baroque and Biedermeier eras, carefully curated and brought in from one of the largest royal museums in Europe.  

Among the highlights of the exhibition are works by Peter Paul Rubens -- a Flemish painter known for his emphasis on movement, color and sensuality and acknowledged as one of the most successful artists of his time -- including the “Portrait of Clara Serena Rubens” and “The Discovery of the Child Erichthonius.”

“Not only is this the largest Rubens collection to be shown in Korea, (the exhibition) also represents some of the artist’s finest works,” said curator Baek Seung-mi of the National Museum of Korea.

The works of Anthony Van Dyck, Ruben’s student and fellow Flemish Baroque artist, and Dutch Renaissance painter Pieter Bruegel will also be on display, providing a rare opportunity for Koreans to view a substantial body of European masterpieces.

“It is the first time a group of 17th-century European masters is being introduced in one place in Korea,” Baek said.

The exhibition will also constitute the first cultural exchange between Korea and Liechtenstein, a principality that stems from the prominent Habsburg line and is in possession of a vast trove of royal European art.

“Rubens” opened Saturday and will run through April 10 at the National Museum of Korea’s Special Exhibition Gallery. Tickets are priced at 5,000 won for children and 13,000 won for adults.

By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)