Talk by Harald Deceulaer, archivist at the Antwerp State Archives
A prophet is never respected in his hometown, they say, and this proverb definitely applies to Michiel Sweerts. Although the work of this 17th-century Brussels painter can be found in museums worldwide, it is barely referenced in Belgium. And yet, Sweerts’ career and life read like a book. The eccentric artist worked for major patrons and lived in the house of a prominent Brussels family in the mid-1600s, famously saying that he was surrounded by old wandering spirits there.
Harald Deceulaer, an archivist and author of publications on the history of the Netherlands (16th-18th centuries), has unearthed all kinds of fascinating archival material on Sweerts's time in Brussels. In his talk, he takes you back in time, to the capital of the Spanish Netherlands. He discusses the artist’s life and work as well as phenomena such as ghosts, exorcism and incantations in the political and religious context of that era. Also covered: Archduke Leopold-Wilhelm of Austria, Christina of Sweden and Sweerts's Catholic missions to Asia.
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 21st of June 2025
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 children's workshop
Rubenshuis, Hopland 13, 2000 Antwerp
Price includes entrance ticket to the garden:
| Adults | 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:
The talk takes place in the Burchardzaal of the Kolveniershof (entrance via Hopland 13). Attention: This room is only accesible via stairs and therefore not accessible for wheelchair users and visitors who are less mobile.
