Brett Kostrzewski, postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven, guides you through the world of late-medieval music manuscripts from the Low Countries.
Continue reading "From one to many voices: the rise of polyphony"
The luxurious “Rijmbijbel” from Brussels is the oldest known illustrated manuscript in Dutch that has been completely preserved. Meet an international masterpiece from the Middle Ages!
Continue reading "The “Rijmbijbel” of Jacob van Maerlant"
Merel Swemle is studying Dutch language and culture at Leiden University. In this blog post, she takes a closer look at a curious book: the collection manuscript of Johannes de Altre.
Continue reading "The manuscript of Johannes de Altre: a varied collection of knowledge"
The name Titus Livius (known in English as Livy) is a well-known one today. But how did the work of this Roman historian end up in the Library of the Burgundian Dukes?
Continue reading "Livy between manuscript and printed book"
Exceptionally admire Margaret of Austria’s “Basses Danses” manuscript on 3 and 4 December.
Continue reading "Unseen: a “black” manuscript at the KBR museum"
Physicist Arno Keppens consults rare and first editions from works by Copernicus, Kepler and Newton kept at KBR.
Continue reading "The history of physics at your fingertips"
The creation of an illuminated manuscript sometimes required several years of preparation. Discover how illuminators transformed their pigments into masterpieces on parchment.
Continue reading "From stone or bug to masterpiece"
Christine de Pizan is often presented as one of the first feminists in history. How did she become a successful author? What were her favourite topics?
Continue reading "Christine de Pizan: a feminist before her time?"
In the 15th century, the various forms of art were related. What was the relationship between painting and miniature art at the end of the Middle Ages?
Continue reading "Who is following who: the painter or the miniaturist?"
The Nassau Chapel took a beating in the 20th century. Read here how the building survived the redevelopment of the Mont des Arts.
Continue reading "The Nassau Chapel: the story of the court chapel that became a museum (part 2)"
The Nassau Chapel is part of the KBR museum, but it has had many different functions over the centuries. Discover the history of this 16th-century building.
Continue reading "The Nassau Chapel: the story of the court chapel that became a museum (part 1)"
Find out why we don’t use white gloves to touch books.
Continue reading "White gloves? No thanks."
For many, the “Chroniques de Hainaut” are the absolute masterpiece from the collection of the Burgundian dukes. But what makes this manuscript so special?
Continue reading "The “Chroniques de Hainaut”: a masterpiece in the shape of a book"
To prevent damage by light, we change the manuscripts in the museum every 6 months. Why? Read all about it right here.
Continue reading "The archenemy of every manuscript: light"