BOOKS
A. J. L. van de Walle.
Gothic art in Belgium : architecture, monumental art.
Brussels, Marc Vokaer, 1971.
€ 24.50
Bound, cloth with original dustjacket (protected with removable cellophane), 239pp., 23x31.5cm., richly illustrated mostly in b/w., some plates in col., in good condition (dustjacket with traces of use and a smaal repaired tear, binding and interior very good).
Gothic art in Belgium : architecture, monumental art is an authoritative survey of Gothic art and architecture in Belgium, offering an in-depth examination of the stylistic, structural and cultural development of Gothic monumental art in the region. Originally written in French and translated into English, the work situates Belgian Gothic within the broader European tradition while highlighting regional diversity and significance. It includes detailed analyses of ecclesiastical and secular buildings, ornamentation, structural innovations and the symbolic use of space and decoration, complemented by contemporary and historical illustrations. This book presents a continuous, scholarly narrative on the evolution and expression of Gothic art and architecture across Belgium, addressing key themes such as structural innovations, stylistic differentiation between regions, the relationship between architectural form and religious function, and the integration of sculptural and monumental art into Gothic buildings. Each section combines descriptive analysis with visual documentation, including architectural plans, detailed photographs of façades, interiors and sculptural elements, and comparative studies of stylistic motifs. The text is interwoven with historical context, explaining how Belgian Gothic evolved from early medieval precedents and interacted with neighboring traditions such as Brabantine Gothic. This comprehensive study functions as both a reference and a didactic resource for students, historians, and enthusiasts of medieval art and architecture.









