Antwerp in the 17th century. The Jesuits constructed a building with two richly decorated chapels directly opposite the Saint Charles Borromeo Church. This is where the sodalities gathered. These are fraternities with members who share a faith and have influential positions in society. In fact, they are not dissimilar to service clubs, where the urban elite make interesting contacts.
Wander through the former chapel
Today, on the second floor of the building, you will find the beautiful Nottebohm Room. Recent research has revealed the appearance of the chapel once found there. The ‘Baroque Brotherhoods in the Nottebohm Room’ exhibition invites you to wander around it. Baroque paintings, prints, books and documents bring the chapel back to life. A virtual tour provides insights into the chapel's structure. You also get to know the members of the sodalities better.
"Our investigation revealed a great deal. But quite a few questions remain unanswered," says curator Steven Van Impe. "We hope the exhibition will help find new puzzle pieces. Perhaps we can trace undiscovered paintings. The discovery of the chapel does not stop with this exhibition."
The 'Baroque Brotherhoods in the Nottebohm Room' exhibition is part of the city's Baroque Influencers festival. With exhibits, concerts and other events, the city festival demonstrates how inspiring the Baroque era has been and continues to be.
Within the programme, the 'Baroque Brotherhoods in the Nottebohm Room' exhibition is part of a triptych 'Jesuits, Rubens and the Art of Persuasion' with exhibits in the Saint Charles Borromeo Church and in the Snijders&Rockox House. You can visit all three or each one separately.
With the support of
