Following the successful Vanity Fair spring exhibition with works by Thomas Lerooy and Félicien Rops, Gaasbeek Castle is carrying the vanitas theme forward. Nothing is more transient than life. The Flemish baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) was aware of this. He documented his wishes concerning his life before, and his life after his death.

In this project, we place two major documents from our castle archive in the spotlight: Rubens’ marriage contract and his last will. Storytelling agency Shaved Monkey has created a multimedia show that brings both exceptional manuscripts to life. Details have been magnified, and provide a special audio-visual experience. The visitor will be given a unique insight into the personal life of the great Flemish master.

in collaboration with the Rubenianum, Antwerp