Museum De Reede: A Graphic Arts Haven in Antwerp

Museum De Reede, located on Ernest Van Dijckkaai in Antwerp, is a distinctive private museum dedicated to graphic art. Opened in June 2017, it focuses primarily on the works of three masters: Francisco Goya, Félicien Rops, and Edvard Munch. The museum's collection, assembled by Dutch art collector Harry Rutten, offers a unique perspective on the human condition through the lens of graphic arts. The museum is housed in a modern building called 'De Rede,' a name inspired by Antwerp's maritime history, referring to the anchorage where ships prepared for their voyages during the 16th and 17th centuries. This location is particularly fitting, as the building stands on the former site of shipping company offices involved in inland navigation on major European rivers. Rutten's passion for graphic art led him to amass a collection of over 200 works, driven by personal taste and fascination. Recognizing that graphic art is often overlooked in larger museums, he established Museum De Reede to make these works permanently accessible to the public. The museum aims to present the works of Goya, Rops, and Munch within their respective artistic and social contexts, fostering a dialogue with contemporary cultural expressions. The collection spans five centuries, from the 17th to the 21st, and includes lithographs, engravings, etchings, woodcuts, drawings, and watercolors. The museum boasts significant holdings, including 32 lithographs by Munch (including a rare print of "The Scream"), 37 etchings by Rops, and 140 etchings by Goya, featuring selections from his renowned series such as "Los Caprichos," "Los Disparates," "Tauromaquia," and "Los Desastres de la Guerra." Each of the three masters is allocated their own room, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in their unique styles and perspectives. Goya's works offer a caustic critique of the follies of mankind, religious fanaticism, and the decline of rationality. Rops' graphic works delve into themes of sex and death, challenging the moralistic norms of his time. Munch's intensely evocative works explore psychological themes, reflecting his inner turmoil and anxieties. In addition to the core collection, Museum De Reede also features works by other international artists, including Käthe Kollwitz, Max Beckmann, Jacob Toornvliet and Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen, as well as Belgian artists such as Rik Wouters, Henri Evenepoel, Eugeen Van Mieghem, Gustave Van de Woestijne, Hugo Claus and Fred Bervoets. These works are displayed on the ground floor, where temporary exhibitions are also held, showcasing both monographic and thematic presentations. The museum's commitment to accessibility extends beyond its physical location. It seeks to engage with contemporary societal and cultural expressions through its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, connecting the past with the present and enriching the visitor experience. Museum De Reede is more than just a repository of graphic art; it is a space for reflection, dialogue, and appreciation of the human condition as seen through the eyes of some of history's greatest artists. Its intimate setting, diverse collection, and commitment to accessibility make it a valuable cultural asset in Antwerp and a must-visit destination for art lovers.