Rubens had the habit of reworking paintings which his assistants painted after his own specifications. A lesser-known fact is that he also took great pleasure in retouching the paintings and drawings of other, usually older masters.
The imposing portico and garden pavilion at the Rubens House can now be viewed again by the public. After a year and a half, their restoration is complete. Rubens designed both features himself, making them rare evidence of Rubens as an architect.