This book offers a fresh look at Antoine Wiertz (1806?65), a Belgian artist often called a ?failure,? and uncovers his fascinating complexity. Leading experts explore Wiertz?s early influences, his use of the grotesque, and his innovative ideas about artist?s museums. The essays examine his struggles with Neoclassicism and the Parisian art scene, his fascination with death and his sculptural oeuvre. They also reveal links between Wiertz?s art, politics, and the development of 19th-century Belgium. With new research, the book illuminates his unique way of creating and showing art. This analysis shows that Wiertz was a major player in debates on what makes an artistic genius. ?Antoine Wiertz and the Quest for Modern Genius? reclaims his significance, and encourages a renewed appreciation of his oeuvre in art history. Essays by Dominique Marechal, Stephen Bann, Caroline van Eck, Hanneke Grootenboer, Marc Gotlieb, Pascal Griener, Maarten Liefooghe and Bart Verschaffel. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Bram van Oostveldt, Stijn Bussels, and Caroline van Eck I. The Formation of an Artist Becoming Wiertz: The Early Years (1820?37) Dominique Marechal Embattled Classicism Stephen Bann II. Wiertz and the Aesthetics of the Grotesque Boring Modernism? Wiertz?s Sculptures Caroline van Eck Wiertz?s Philosophical Paintings Hanneke Grootenboer M Stands for Mort: The Last Hours of Antoine Wiertz Marc Gotlieb III. Wiertz and the Museum Artists? Museums: A Symbolical Form in the History of Culture Pascal Griener Spectacles Full of Lessons or Performances for Posterity? The Musée Wiertz Contrasted with the Musée Gustave Moreau Maarten Liefooghe The Case of Antoine Wiertz: Art and/or Politics? Bart Verschaffel Index of Names Author Biographies