A Journey Through Time and Art: A Visit to Rubenshuis (Interview with Nam)

When I first stepped into Rubenshuis in Antwerp, I felt like I was walking into a time capsule, one that held not only the legacy of a Baroque master but also his intimate connection with life, art, and creativity. It’s one thing to admire Peter Paul Rubens’ works in a grand museum, but it’s entirely different to walk through the spaces where he lived and worked.

As a Chinese student studying in Belgium, I have visited a few European art museums, but this visit felt different. Perhaps it was the realization that this was not just a museum — it was once someone’s home, a space filled with personal stories and dreams. The house, built in 1610, was meticulously designed by Rubens himself, combining influences from Renaissance Italian architecture with Flemish traditions. Standing in his grand studio, where he painted some of his most famous masterpieces, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of awe.

Adam and Eve by Rubens

One moment that particularly struck me was seeing Adam and Eve, one of his celebrated paintings displayed on an interactive device in the house. As someone who grew up surrounded by Chinese art — delicate ink wash paintings and poetic brushstrokes — Rubens’ bold use of light and shadow, his vivid colors, and the sheer emotional intensity of his figures felt like a stark contrast. Yet, both artistic traditions share something essential: a deep reverence for storytelling through imagery.

A traditional Chinese ink wash painting displayed in my home university

In Chinese art, there’s often a focus on creating space for the viewer’s imagination, leaving empty spaces on a painting scroll. Rubens, on the other hand, fills every inch of his canvas with movement, life, and raw emotion. This difference reminded me of how art is both universal and deeply cultural, shaped by the time and society in which it’s created.

As I wandered through the rooms, I imagined Rubens walking these same corridors, discussing ideas with his students, sharing meals with his family, and perhaps finding moments of solitude in his garden. His life wasn’t just about grand canvases and royal commissions — it was also about small, quiet moments of joy and reflection.

But honestly, one of the most memorable parts wasn’t just the art itself; it was a conversation I had with Nam, a 27-year-old illustrator from Vietnam.

We met in front of Adam and Eve, both caught in the emotional intensity of the painting. Nam told me he works mostly with digital illustrations in a minimalist style, but he admires how Rubens captures entire stories in a single frame. We chatted about the differences between Rubens’ dramatic style and the simpler, symbolic storytelling of traditional Vietnamese Dong Ho paintings, and yet, how both art forms share a deep love for narrative.

The garden outside the Rubenshuis

Nam was also fascinated by the garden — how the textures, light, and careful design all felt like an extension of Rubens’ creativity. He mentioned wanting to bring some of those elements into his own work.

One thing he said stuck with me:

“Don’t rush. Take your time. Art isn’t just about what’s on the walls — it’s about how the space makes you feel.”

It was a simple reminder to slow down and really experience a place.

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That short conversation with Nam reminded me how art connects people across cultures and how creativity thrives in the spaces we build around ourselves. Rubenshuis wasn’t just a museum that day — it became a space for stories, both old and new.