This beautifully illustrated book provides a complete overview of the art of the Southern Netherlands from 1585 to 1700. The author examines the development of Flemish and specifically Antwerp painting, the work of Rubens and other leading masters, and the Antwerp tradition of specialization among painters as well as the sculpture and architecture of this period.
"A major moment of artistic culture has been magisterially sketched by one of its leading authorities."-- Larry Silver, "The Art Book
""Consistently rewarding . . . a book that is going to transform how Flemish art is understood."-- Jeremy Wood, "Apollo Magazine
""As well as examining the output and influence of leading figures such as Rubens and Van Dyke, Vlieghe provides the historical, social and cultural context for the development of history painting and other specializations. . . . This book will attract both the informed and general reader."-- Alison Smith, "Art Newspaper
""Essential for current study of Belgian art."-- "Choice"

Contents: K. De Jonge: A model court architect: Mary of Hungary and Jacques Du Broeucq (1545-1556); J. Juan Perez Preciado: Aarschot and Solre. The collections, patronage and influence in Spain of two Flemish noblemen; S. van Sprang: Les peintres de la cour d' Albert et Isabelle: une tentative de classification; D. Howarth: Rubens and Philip IV: a reappraisal; H. Vlieghe: 'Frayicheyt ende kunst daer syne inclinatie toe stryckt': beschouwingen over het mecenaat van aartshertog Leopold-Wilhelm tijdens zijn landvoogdij over de Zuidelijke Nederlanden (1647-1656); K. Van der Stighelen: 'Prima inter pares'. Over de voorkeur van Aartshertog Leopold-Wilhelm voor Michaelina Woutiers (ca 1620-na 1682); J. M. Muller: Institution and framework: the new chapter of canons and its choir space in the St. Jacob's Church, Antwerp; C. Gottler: Saints and patronage: Peter Paul Rubens and Maximilian Villain de Gand in the cathedral of Tournai; B. Haeger: Abbot Van der Steen and St Michael's abbey: the restoration of its church, its images, and its place in Antwerp; V. Herremans: Vroomheid verbeeld. Iconografie van de 17de-eeuwse Zuid-Nederlandse retabelsculptuur: het aandeel van de opdrachtgever; B. Timmermans: Een elite als actor binnen een zeventiende-eeuwse kunstwereld. Uitbouw en patronen van patronage (netwerken) in de Antwerpse Nazomer; B. Welzel: Rubens' Anbetung der Kige 1608 und 1628/29: die Gestaltung fur verschiedene Patrone.