The King Baudouin Foundation at BRAFA 2025: preservation of cultural heritage; an exhibition of recent and remarkable acquisitions

An Art Deco masterpiece by Wolfers, a Brussels tapestry from 1530, a sculpture by Auguste Rodin, 20th-century design furniture, and much more can be found at the King Baudouin Foundation's stand at BRAFA 2025. The KBF presents a selection of exceptional works from its collection and highlights its commitment to the preservation and promotion of Belgian and international heritage.

Highlights at BRAFA 2025

This year, visitors can discover a rich variety of pieces at the King Baudouin Foundation’s stand (n° 135), including:

• Brussels Tapestry (1530) – A masterpiece depicting King Solomon and Bathsheba, acquired through the combined efforts of the City of Brussels, Périer-D’Ieteren Foundation, De Wit vzw, and the King Baudouin Foundation.
  
• Still Life by Judith Leyster (17th Century) – A rare floral still life by renowned Dutch painter Judith Leyster, generously donated by Hanns von der Ohe and Renate Luck. Recently restored, it will be on public display for the first time after restauration.
  
• 18th Century Imari Porcelain Sauceboat – This unique Rococo-style porcelain piece, adorned with silver by Brussels silversmith Petrus Josephus Fonson, is engraved with the Arenberg family coat of arms. It has recently been acquired by the Comte Thierry de Looz-Corswarem Fund.
  
• Art Deco Masterpiece ‘The goddess of the hunt Diana.’ by Marcel Wolfers (1930) – In celebration of Brussels' 2025 Year of Art Deco, the Foundation presents this striking bronze sculpture, fully coated in lacquer, and one of the finest examples of Belgian Art Deco sculpture.
  
• Sculpture by Oscar Jespers (1930) – Acquired with the support of the Isabelle and Philippe Dewez Fund, the Jespers piece is a striking Art Deco sculpture of gallery owner Blanche Charlet.
  
• Jeunesses Musicales Golden Book – This rare golden book, launched by the Belgian Queen Elisabeth in 1950, contains contributions from renowned artists such as René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, and Joan Miró, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Jeunesses Musicales.
  
• 20th Century Design Furniture – These iconic Belgian pieces trace the evolution of design in the 20th Century, with works by Huib Hoste, Renaat Braem, Georges Charles van Rijk, and Willy Van der Meeren.
  
• Sculpture by Auguste Rodin – An example of the facilitating role of the King Baudouin Foundation, which developed a tailored philanthropic solution, enabling the MSK Ghent to purchase this work and keep it on display in the museum.

High resolution photos of the works, with captions, can be downloaded here.

A Commitment to Heritage Preservation

For over 35 years, the King Baudouin Foundation has been at the forefront of preserving Belgium’s artistic and cultural heritage. Thanks to the generosity of many patrons and philanthropic Funds, the Foundation has assembled a collection of over 28,000 works of art and 29 archives, entrusted to 100 museums and institutions. The Foundation’s participation in BRAFA highlights its mission to make these treasures accessible to the public and to protect them for future generations.

Visit us at BRAFA

We invite all art lovers to explore these remarkable works at our stand n° 135 at BRAFA 2025. From ancient tapestries to modern masterpieces, the King Baudouin Foundation’s collection represents the rich diversity of Belgian and international art and craftsmanship.

Practical information
BRAFA art fair from January 26th to February 2nd, 2025
Brussels Expo, Heysel
Open from 11:00 to 19:00
Nocturne on Thursday 30 January

The press is invited on Thursday, January 23 at 14:00

Standnumber of the King Baudouin Foundation: n° 135

www.brafa.art

BRAFA Art Talks:

A BRAFA ART TALK will be held every day at 16:00 at the King Baudouin Foundation’s stand. Admission is free for visitors to the art fair. Curators, experts, journalists and other personalities from the Belgian and international art world will be delivering a series of fascinating talks on art.

For further information:
King Baudouin Foundation: www.kbs-frb.be
Programme ‘Heritage & Culture’: www.heritage-kbf.be
Instagram: @belgianheritage