Cityscapes
Part of the Print Cabinet’s collection consists of drawings by Jozef Linnig, which he donated to the city in 1876. Jan Jozef, usually called Jozef, was born on 15 May 1815, the eldest son of Peter Linnig and Kaatje Leys. He became a painter, like his younger brothers Egide and Willem.
Jozef Linnig was especially famous for his numerous scenes of Antwerp and the surrounding districts. Throughout his life, he drew every possible corner of the city: streets, squares, gates, monuments and hidden places. He often started with pencil sketches, which he then developed into watercolours and finally in etchings.
Contemporary document
This stunning collection of Linnig’s work is the best contemporary documentation of how Antwerp looked in the 19th century, before the emergence of photography. From 1864, the city’s appearance changed dramatically, with the systematic demolition of the Spanish fortifications for the creation of the Leien, and then the straightening of the quays.
07.06.13 - 08.09.13
