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Art and everyday implements

We have no idea which implements these were exactly. The inventory of the contents of the house, which was drawn up after Rubens's death, is missing. However the Rubens House has a number of implements on display which would have certainly been part of the household effects, such as busts, figurines, a tazza, and a silver ewer and basin. Archival research has shown that these formed part of Rubens's substantial art collection. The other furniture and utensils on display in the museum are authentic objects from Rubens's time. He would have undoubtedly recognised most of them and they would have been part of his personal effects.

 

 

Curio cabinet

A curio cabinet or a "Kunstkabinett" is a perfect repository for smaller treasures in an art collection.

Linen press

Linen was an important part of a woman's dowry.

Tazza

This shallow drinking dish, mounted on a foot, known as a tazza, is decorated with an erotic scene from the myth of Hercules and Omphale.

Ceremonial chain

This ceremonial chain of the shooter's guild of the musket bearers was probably a gift from Nicolaas Rockox. As the head officer of the guild, Rockox gifted this ceremonial chain to Rubens as an additional bonus for the monumental "Descent from the Cross".

Canopy bed

Until well into the seventeenth century, the bed was commonly placed in the most important or in some cases only room of the house, as close to the hearth as possible. In those times most houses had only one room. The rich had more privacy, and could therefore afford a larger house and more elegant bed.

Belvedere torso

Rubens made this drawing of the Belvedere Torso during his long-term stay in Italy.