Today we visited the Glorious town of Antwerp. As we arrived we first walked through the well-known Diamond district. “ Antwerp is first and foremost a trading city, the undisputed international diamond capital with 90 per cent of the world’s uncut diamonds passing through.”(pg. 107) Walking through this area was quite odd, as it felt more like a casual back alley of bazaar shops, rather than high end diamond stores. I was also amused by the dominance of the jewish and Indian community, knowing that the business “ is very much based on trust.” (pg.107)
One major part of the trip was visiting Paul Rubens’ home. “Rubens was far more than just a painter, he was an important figurehead of the Counter- Reformation and spent many years on the service of the Spanish as a diplomat. This is perhaps the reason why his home is truly a mansion with many luxuries. The house has a huge court within the walls with numerous sculptures as well as a large garden with amazing landscaping. After the protestant reformation Rubens was appointed court painter for the Spanish Netherlands, where he was commissioned to replace the artwork destroyed by Protestants in the Iconoclast Fury. “ Rubens developed the vogue for painting sensual ruddy figures, combining pagan mythology with Christian devotion.” (pg.109) He received many commissions from wealthy patrons, and is credited with making 2,500 paintings between 1608 and 1640. His art was very whimsical and devoted to the old renaissance style. I really enjoyed looking at one painting that was within his house: Henry IV in the Battle of Ivry. It was not fully completed but had the rough drafting and sketches still visible. Characters had three arms drawn out and faces were not fully complete. Other parts were extremely detailed showing off the true talent of Rubens. It was a breath of fresh air to see how a Flemish master began his works of art. Most people stand infant of a painting that is finished, but they don’t fully grasp the time and devotion to finish such a project. This one piece helps in terms of showing that.
Amsterdam to Brussels 