oil on panel
Martine Maris, curator of the Rubens House: "The detail in this work is incredible, that is truly Brueghel (1568-1625). You look first at the park on the Coudenberg. Looking further, you see a whole series of animals and people. You can always discover new details in this work. But the surroundings are more important than who is seen in the painting, the park takes centre stage."
"The Archdukes Albrecht and Isabella are very important in Rubens' career. As their court painter, he enjoys many privileges. For instance, he is not required to reside at their court, but is allowed to settle in Antwerp. That gives him the opportunity to undertake numerous commissions for Antwerp's urban elite. Later, Rubens also works as a diplomat for Isabella. Brueghel and Rubens are good friends, by the way."
You will find the painting in the manuscript room, room 27, upstairs.
