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Art by 17th-century painter Jacob Mertens goes on show in Poland’s Kraków

13.01.2023 00:30
An exhibition of paintings by 17th-century artist Jacob Mertens opens on Friday at the Royal Wawel Castle in the southern Polish city of Kraków.  
An exhibition of paintings by 17th-century artist Jacob Mertens opens on Friday at the Royal Wawel Castle in the southern Polish city of Kraków.
An exhibition of paintings by 17th-century artist Jacob Mertens opens on Friday at the Royal Wawel Castle in the southern Polish city of Kraków.Photo: Royal Wawel Castle

Entitled Jacob Mertens and the Kraków Painting around the Year 1600, the showcase comprises more than 30 exhibits, from paintings to drawings and ivory sculptures, all of which were created in Kraków around the year 1600. 

The Antwerp-born Mertens spent his later years in Kraków and the show documents how Dutch influences spread to Poland, organisers said.

x Photo: Royal Wawel Castle

Outstanding yet little known, the featured art pieces by Mertens embody the trademark Netherlands style, according to the Royal Wawel Castle. 

Mertens had a reputation as a master of detail, organisers added. 

x Photo: Royal Wawel Castle

The showcase also highlights Kraków’s role as a vibrant artistic centre of the Baroque era, according to officials.  

“I do not doubt that the exhibition of art by Jacob Mertens will inspire much exploration, shining a light on unknown yet extremely significant themes in European art of the 17th century,” said Andrzej Betlej, director of the Royal Wawel Castle.

x Photo: Royal Wawel Castle 

The exhibition runs until April 16.

Public broadcaster Polish Radio is a media partner of the event. 

(pm/gs)

Source: wawel.krakow.pl, krakow.tvp.pl