Unique 15th-century panel from Hoogstraten temporarily on display at the Groeningemuseum
Musea Brugge has received a special Flemish Masterpiece on long-term loan: 'Scenes from the Life of Saint Joseph', originating from the Saint Catherine's Church in Hoogstraten. The 15th-century panel can be seen in room 1 of the Groeningemuseum. There it offers a nice addition to our top collection of Flemish primitives, such as the works of the famous Jan van Eyck.
Since 2017, the Saint Catherine's Church in Hoogstraten has been undergoing extensive restoration. The artworks of the church – including some Masterpieces recognized by Flanders – are temporarily stored elsewhere until their return in 2029. One of these Masterpieces is the monumental panel 'Scenes from the Life of Saint Joseph'. The work was first transferred to the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK) for restoration and research (see photo). This has now been successfully completed. Until the church is accessible again, the panel will remain in the care of Musea Brugge.
Prominent Place
'Scenes from the Life of Saint Joseph' from the Saint Catherine's Church in Hoogstraten is a Masterpiece recognized by Flanders, which is normally located in a less accessible location. Thanks to the long-term loan agreement, we can give the panel a prominent place in the Groeningemuseum until 2027, where the many domestic and international museum visitors can enjoy the unique 15th-century Masterpiece.
Broader View
The panel depicts various episodes from the life of Saint Joseph and is crafted by an unknown master from the Southern Netherlands. Recent research by KIK-IRPA dates the work to the 15th century. With its exceptional size (64 by 203 cm), landscape format, and narrative composition, it is a unique artwork within Flemish painting. Furthermore, the panel provides a valuable addition to the painting collection at the Groeningemuseum.
Musea Brugge has a rich collection of paintings from Bruges from the 15th and 16th centuries, a period during which many important panel paintings were produced in Bruges. ‘Scenes from the Life of Saint Joseph’ was created in the same period, but by a master from elsewhere in the Southern Netherlands. As a result, the work offers a broader view of the painting from that important period.
The panel is on display at the Groeningemuseum until January 2027. From 2027, the Groeningemuseum itself will close for renovation works and the core pieces of the museum will temporarily be on view at the BRUSK art gallery.
