The Schleiper art gallery, Chaussée de Charleroi 149, 1060 Brussels, presents a fine selection from the company's permanent collection.

A master framer since 1892, Schleiper's history goes back more than a hundred years.
So it's hardly surprising that frames are the real stars of this retrospective.

To do full justice to the frames, they are combined with fine reproductions of works by well-known and lesser-known masters, applied to canvas or panel and then enhanced to evoke the texture of the original painting.

These combinations are a perfect illustration of the fact that the work and the frame don't necessarily have to be from the same period.
Louis XIV frames, for example, are often associated with Impressionist works. Dutch frames go perfectly with works from the Art Deco period.

With some 70 exhibits, the non-chronological exhibition offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the frame through the centuries: from its beginnings through the main stylistic periods to the twentieth century; a fun family outing, an exploration for enthusiasts, with quite a few key items added to the collection by the family over the years that would not be out of place in the biggest museums. And no, these are not for sale.

Admission is free.