Understanding the past brings us closer to who we are today — as individuals, but also as a society. For this reason, The Phoebus Foundation likes to look back. Whether it is at an early Christian tunic, a painting by Karel Appel or a drawing by Bruegel: each of these objects is in its own very specific way a witness to the context in which it was created. Each of The Phoebus Foundation publications immerses the reader in the story behind a work of art. This way, what seemed dead and gone is being brought back to life.

In 2017, The Phoebus Foundation launched a series of academic publications highlighting treasures from the collection. For each new publication, art historians or other experts who are specialised in the theme and can tell the story in an interesting and accessible way were called upon.

The Chancellery of The Phoebus Foundation regularly collaborates with Flanders Public Art Property to publish a theme number. So far, the following editions have appeared.