Our Story.
Established in 1964 under the visionary leadership of Emile Deletaille, the Deletaille Gallery has evolved into a globally celebrated hub for the captivating charm of non-European artistic expressions, with a distinctive focus on traditional art originating from Africa, Indonesia, Pre-Columbian Americas, and Oceania.
A Bridge Between Eras and Expressions
Nestled in the heart of Brussels’ (Belgium) historic Sablon district, the Deletaille Gallery is more than a space; it is a celebration of humanity’s artistic legacy bridging the timeless beauty of ancient traditions with the bold expressions of contemporary art. Established in 1964, this pioneering gallery initially specialized in ancient African, Indonesian, Pre-Columbian, and Oceanic art, with a particular attention to high-quality works of art and exceptional textiles. Its legacy, however, is not simply about curation—it’s about a relentless pursuit of beauty that transcends time and geography.
The Visionary Founder
Emile Deletaille (1929-2021), the gallery’s founder, was born into a family where art was not just appreciated but revered. His great-grandfather, Willem Roelofs, was a noted Dutch painter and entomologist; his family’s legacy nurtured his own passion for the beauty and cultural significance of art. Though he began his career in the family’s industrial enterprise, Emile’s fascination with art eventually led him to pursue his passion full-time. Emile was a seeker at heart, his connection to art was visceral. He was captivated by what lay beneath the surface: the enigmatic force of an object’s presence, its ties to the mystical, and the profound existential questions it inspired.
They contributed to the visibility and preservation of many fine works of art by working with major museums and institutions around the world. This collaboration culminated in a groundbreaking exhibition, Trésors du Nouveau Monde. A retrospective of Pre-Columbian art spanning from Alaska to Argentina, it marked the first time in history that masterpieces from more than 57 museums and over 17 contributing countries were showcased in 1992 at the Musées Royaux d’Art et Histoire in Brussels (Belgium), bringing greater recognition to the ancient art forms of the Americas.
Together, the Deletaille duo became trusted advisors to museums, foundations, and private collectors worldwide (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Musée du Quai Branly, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art, Tervuren Royal Museum for Central Africa and many more).
Passing the Torch: New Horizons
The transition of leadership to Lin in 2006 marked another evolution. True to the gallery’s ethos of transcending boundaries, she embraced contemporary art and photography, bringing in emerging voices and established artists. The past and present became interconnected chapters of a single, ever-unfolding story.
In 2015, Emile and Lin have been joined by Charles, their dedicated son who passionately carries on their family’s legacy to promote diverse art forms.
Today, under Charles’ directorship, the Deletaille Gallery continues to thrive as a bastion of cross-temporal beauty and boundless curiosity. It invites visitors and collectors alike to experience art that defies categorization, awakening a passion for the unknown that celebrates the beauty that binds us across cultures and centuries and for the deeply human stories objetcs tell. Their commitment to the field continues through collaborations and contributions to important international institutions and private collections, enhancing the presentation of world cultures.
A Cross-Cultural Ongoing Conversation
When Emile opened the gallery doors, the Sablon was on the cusp of transformation into Brussels’ premier antiques quarter—a fitting stage for his unique vision. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Emile’s journeys spanned continents : from traditional African to Indonesian art, introducing European audiences to the majesty of extra-european masterpieces and other cultural treasures from distant lands. From the Americas to Africa and Asia, his passion ignited cross-cultural conversations and enriched the world’s artistic lexicon.
A Love Story of Art and Adventure
In 1977, fate intertwined Emile’s path with Lin, an art historian on assignment in Guatemala, drawing Mayan vases from the 6th to the 9th century for a foundation. With her art historical background and his ambition to merge their complementary talents, they joined forces both in life and in the field of art, curating collections and contributing to exhibitions. With a continued dedication to Pre-Columbian art, they collaborated with Gerald Berjonneau and Jean-Louis Sonnery to publish an important contribution and definitive survey of this art in private collections: Rediscovered Masterpieces of Mesoamerica: Mexico-Guatemala-Honduras.
