Over the centuries, the church, next to the royal courts, was the greatest patron of art. It influenced the kind of work created by painters or sculptors, who used their biblical and religious themes in their work.
The period of the splendor of Flemish painting originated, in the fifteenth century, the brothers van Eyck. It lasted 300 years. At that time, artists such as Petrus Christus, Hieronymus Bosch, Hans Memling, Pieter Bruegel, Jackob Jordaens, Anton van Dyck and the greatest of them, Peter Paul Rubens, formed on these lands. The devastating power of religious wars, the activity of iconoclasts cruelly destroying everything related to religious worship, greatly depleted the resources of works of art. Fortunately, many of the works created by the masters of the past have survived to this day. In Antwerp, the work of these excellent painters can be admired in the churches. Peter Paul Rubens has a special place here. An excellent artist, one of the greatest individuals in Flemish painting.
Stop I
The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of the most magnificent Gothic churches in Belgium. Particularly impressive is its interior with 125 columns, 128 windows (55 stained glass windows), north tower and south tower, octagonal lighthouse at the intersection of nave and transept, chorus, ambit and 11 chapels-These numbers give you an idea of how powerful this building is. In the church there are innumerable excellent sculptures and paintings. But they all remain in the shadow of Rubens' wonderful work. We will find 5 masterpieces master from Antwerp. Two wonderful triptychs, raising the cross and The descent from the cross With impressive dimensions, it is the culmination of Rubens' genius. This is the best place to start wandering in the footsteps of this most prominent Flemish artist.
Stop II
Church of St. Paul. This magnificent temple, after centuries of destruction, finally regained its splendor. Beautiful interior and countless works of art, created by the world famous masters, attract invariably crowds of tourists. The church of St. Paul is said to be a baroque gem in a Gothic chest. Great baroque furniture perfectly fits into the gothic interior. Here, surrounded by countless works of art, we find three paintings by Rubens: lashing, painting from the series depicting the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, The adoration of the shepherds (1609) and part of the altar of Soeten Naem Dispute on the Holy Sacrament , painted about 1609 year.
Stop III
Church of St. Charles Borromeo is Temple a in which Rubens played the greatest role as painter, decorator and architect from all the places of worship in Antwerp. Its influence is visible on the tower, the facade and the main altar.
This typical Baroque church was built by the Jesuits in 1615-1621. Unfortunately 39 paintings on the ceiling made by his studio and most of his marble work destroyed fire in 1718 years. Fortunately, survived the apse of the main altar, the chapel of Mary and many sculptures that testify to the church's past glory.
This typical Baroque church was built by the Jesuits in 1615-1621. Unfortunately 39 paintings on the ceiling made by his studio and most of his marble work destroyed fire in 1718 years. Fortunately, survived the apse of the main altar, the chapel of Mary and many sculptures that testify to the church's past glory.
In the center of the facade is the coat of arms of the Jesuit Order, attracting attention by placing gold letters on a black background. The most important is a wonderful sculpture depicting angels. This is the work of Rubens.
The most prestigious chapel in the entire church is the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the burial Chapel of the Houtappel Family, in which all ceiling stucco was created by Rubens. |
Stop IV
Church of Sts. Jacob (Jacobkerk) It is one of the largest churches in the city. There was a hospice here in the 15th century, where pilgrims traveling from southern Europe to the tomb of Sts. James in Santiago de Compostela. In 1413 year, a chapel dedicated to St. Jacob. When it turned out to be too small, in the 1491 year began construction, in the style of brabant Gothic, which existed until today's church. After 175 years the construction was completed . .
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In the temple there is the tomb of Rubens and his family. For this reason it is a place frequented by tourists. The chapel of the Virgin Mary, which is the resting place of the master and his family members, is located in the eastern part of the church.
Fails who expects a magnificent, monumental tombstone here. Rubens rests in a tomb covered only with a marble plate of Latin epitaph. |
Sculptures adorn the tombs of his daughter and wife. The chapel at Rubens' resting place was completed five years after his death. Its sponsor was Helena Fourment, Rubens's second wife.
Stop V
Rubens House is a beautiful building in the center of Antwerp. Here lived and made this great artist. Many paintings in the museum were painted personally. The task of the museum is not only to show the collection of paintings, but first of all to bring visitors closer to how lived and worked this painting master.