'Exchange building Antwerp' (2018) Oil on canvas 100 x 70 cm
The current 'Handelsbeurs' was constructed in 1872 after it was destroyed by fire. Its previous incarnation dated from 1531, and was established after the centre for international trade in the Low Countries shifted from Bruges to Antwerp. It was the first building designed specifically for this kind of trade and was a model for the exchanges in London, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
After that fire, it was rebuilt in the old style with new techniques, resulting in a beautiful indoor arena with neo-gothic facades and a dome using an innovative metal construction.
The painting is an interpretation of the original construction of the 'Handelsbeurs' by Bert.
