This international symposium is organised in conjunction with the exhibition Early Netherlandish Drawings at the British Museum. Leading scholars and curators from the USA, Europe and the UK will share new research on drawings from the Low Countries between 1400 and 1600.

Speakers will elaborate on themes explored in the exhibition and will address the function and materials of drawings as well as new subjects and drawing practices. Papers will highlight the role of drawing in the workshop, preparatory drawings for painted glass roundels and prints, the function of model books and sketchbooks, and the emerging practice of drawing outdoors and from live models. Together, they will illuminate key facets of the transformational development of Netherlandish drawing from 1400 to 1600.

Refreshments will be provided and the symposium will be followed by a drinks reception. Please note, this will be an in-person event and will not be live-streamed or recorded.

The symposium is supported by the International Music and Arts Foundation.

Pieter Bruegel the elder, Elck, 1558. British Museum, London, inv. 1854,0628.36