Antwerp

We went to Antwerp to see the Rubens house and Rubens' final resting place. Imagine our surprise when we first saw the beautiful Antwerp train station (above, left). We had read about it but were completely unprepared for the reality. The surprises kept coming when we emerged from the train station and found ourselves on a beautiful street with wonderful buildings, monuments, and sculpture (above, right). We set off for the Rubens House, gaping and gawping like the tourists that we are.

Rubens' house was within easy walking distance from the train station. This was fortunate as it was another cold, blustery day - though the weather was instantly forgotten the moment we arrived at the artist's home.

I have to tell you that Rubens is my favourite artist and that I was almost childishly thrilled to be here (another gift from Denise!).

The house is being restored, as closely as possible, to its original condition. It is immediately apparent that this was the home of the most successful artist of his time. The grounds and buildings are beautiful and contain work by Rubens and his contemporaries.

Much of the work attributed to Rubens was done by assistants, with Rubens adding only the parts he was specifically contracted to do, so it was nice to see oil sketches (see below) which were undoubtedly by his hand in their entirety.

Seeing the Rubens house would have made for a satisying day on its own but we were to meet with a few other surprises as we set off again...

Doorway, inner courtyard, Rubens House.

The back gardens.

Imagine sitting by the fire in this little room.

Period tiles.

Satyr, terracotta,
Lucas Faydherbe, 1650-1690.

Oil sketch, Peter Paul Rubens, 1577-1640.

Decorative sculpture, unknown.

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