Borman in context

Brabantine sculpture from 1460–1540

Debaene, Marjan (ed.)
De Moor, Hannah (ed.)

In September 2019, ten years of interdisciplinary research culminated in the first-ever monographic exhibition on the Borman family, titled Borman and Sons. The Best Sculptors (20.09.19–26.01.20) at M Leuven. The exhibition was accompanied by a new publication on the Borman family of Brussels sculptors, who were active from the second half of the fifteenth century into the second third of the sixteenth century. The 6th Annual Ards Colloquium, held at M Leuven in November 2019, provided an in-depth contextualisation of the sculptural work of the Borman family. While a document from 1513 refers to the Bormans as ‘the best sculptors’, they did not operate in isolation. Brussels was a thriving artistic centre—a cultural hub that hosted numerous talented and influential artists, all working under the patronage of high-profile commissioners. This volume presents papers that explore the Bormans’ role within the artistic context of the Duchy of Brabant, alongside discussions of stylistic and iconographical themes, as well as new discoveries concerning their commissions and works.