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Hello, I'm Anthony van Dyck

Interested in culture and visual arts?

Rubens is a prominent figure on social media

Not only was Rubens a driven artist, he was also CEO of a successful business. Marketing managers weren't around yet in the 17th century, which made showcasing and selling paintings to a wider audience not as straightforward.

Antwerp

My master posted his 'status updates' for his 'followers' by distributing etchings amongst other things. Specialists would cut his finished paintings on a metal plate to then print and distribute them. As vital as it is in this day and age, Rubens spent quite some time sourcing external specialists to create quality 'prints' for his 'social media'. Sometimes prints wouldn't be created until a long time after the painting was completed. Quality advertising campaigns even paid off in the 17th century. There are an impressive 2,500 paintings by Rubens and his studio.

Rubens inspires the Year of Baroque 2018 in Antwerp

I would love to show you around. But we are not only visiting my hometown. If you want to explore Rubens and the spirit of his times, the whole of Flanders has something on offer.

Vandyck_001 - plaatsing zelfportret Rubens

Rubens - © Rubenshuis - Sigrid Spinnox-2 2

Have you fallen under the spell of the Baroque period?

I'd love to tell you more about it.

Mechelen: a thinking ground for the world's greats

At the beginning of the 16th century, Margaret of Austria – one of the most powerful women in Europe – chose Mechelen as a base. This Flemish city thus grew de facto into the capital of the Burgundian empire. Pay a visit to this beautiful city and discover for yourself why Mechelen is such an irresistible destination.

Mechelen

Must do

Rubens and Tuymans teach the world to paint

Rubens had an unprecedented influence on the art world and he certainly had on me as well. Today, Rubens continues to inspire many contemporary artists.

Antwerp

Must do

Antwerp, the Silicon Valley of the 16th century

Rubens worked and lived in Antwerp. Nowhere else in the world can you feel the greatness of Rubens as well as here. The city already played an important role in the 16th century. It was like Silicon Valley is today, a place where knowledge, craftsmanship and technology come together.

Antwerp

Baroque is not an artistic movement, it's a way of life.

Ask the other guides as well.

Enjoy eating and drinking in an arty atmosphere?

Love architectural gems from old and contemporary masters?

Follow Nicolaas

Feel like doing some culturally responsible shopping and admiring some diamonds?

Your guide Bacchus

Enjoy eating and drinking in an arty atmosphere?

Your guide Nicolaas

Love architectural gems from old and contemporary masters?

Your guide Venus

Feel like doing some culturally responsible shopping and admiring some diamonds?