Talk by Hanne Schonkeren, art historian and goldsmith
In the 16th century, Antwerp was an international trade hub thanks to its port, which served as a gateway to the North Sea. The ready supply of raw materials turned the city into the epicentre of European goldsmithing, among other things, a development that warrants much less attention in history books than painting or book publishing. So, which techniques were used? How did the networks in which jewellery and its makers circulated develop? And how did the different trades work together?
Hanne Schonkeren sheds renewed light on this underexposed chapter of Antwerp art history. After her bachelor's degree in jewellery design and goldsmithing at KASKA, she obtained a master's degree in art science and archaeology from the VUB. She uses archival research, literature and an innovative method for reconstructing techniques and parts, to explain how craftsmanship, collaboration and social context are fused together in these luxurious objects and the impact this craft had on Antwerp's golden age.
Want to attend this talk but need childcare? Bring your kids. While you enjoy a fascinating talk, your children are entertained during a creative workshop.
Sunday 6 december 2026
10.45 am: kick-off of the children's workshop (in a separate room)
11.00 am: start
12.00 am: end
12.15 am: end of the children's workshop
Rubenshuis, Hopland 13, 2000 Antwerp
Price includes entrance ticket to the garden:
| Adult | 15 euro |
| 18-26 years | 13 euro |
| A-card | 13 euro |
| Discount pass | 7 euro |
| A-card with social tariff | 4 euro |
Free workshop for children (6-12 years) of parents with a ticket to the event. Reserve a free ticket for your child at rubenshuis@antwerpen.be with the following info:
