Meet the work of the one and only Belgian futurist

Recent years have seen revived interest in Jules Schmalzigaug (1882–1917). The only Belgian representative of Futurism deserves his place in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, which holds the world’s largest collection of his work. A talented pioneer of the international avant-garde, he also loved the work of Peter Paul Rubens and James Ensor, two other masters whose work is featured in the museum’s collection. Schmalzigaug experimented with a singing red and vibrant colours.

Thanks to a generous gift by Gallery Ronny Van de Velde in 2022, the museum is now able to provide full access to the fascinating evolution of Schmalzigaug’s creative process. From his earliest academic studies and stylised city drawings to the Futurist arabesque rhythms he created in Venice and the pastels he made in The Hague and Scheveningen towards the end of his life: with this collection book, this young deceased colour artist receives the recognition he deserves.

The Jules Schmalzigaug (1882–1917). Futurismo! exhibition runs in the print room at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp from 28 September 2024 to 12 January 2025.