Learn how Flemish painting radically reinvented itself during the 15th to 17th centuries. Discover how the astonishing realism of the early Netherlandish painters underwent a ‘renaissance’ as artists responded to new classical ideals sweeping in from Italy.

See how Flemish artists sought to assimilate the achievements of the great Italian masters, culminating in the work of Rubens. Drawing on important and fascinating Flemish paintings in the Wallace Collection by Memling, Pourbus and Rubens, Dr Williams will reveal a period of extraordinary cultural innovation.

About the speaker: Dr Richard Williams completed his doctorate at the Courtauld Institute and began his career as a specialist in Northern Renaissance Art at Birkbeck College, University of London. Following this, he joined the Royal Collection where he heads the department that oversees education and interpretation at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. He has published widely on the art of Northern Europe and has been a lecturer at the Courtauld Institute, the National Gallery and many other institutions.

Take part at the museum: This course will take place in the Theatre, Lower Ground Floor. Participants taking part at the museum are encouraged to visit the galleries in their own time afterwards.

Watch online: This talk will also be broadcast live from the museum. Online ticketholders will be emailed a link to join 24 hours in advance. Ticketholders will also receive a link to view a recording of the talk, which will be available for two weeks only.