On October 21, 2025, the virtual platform of the Russian House in Brussels will host another Hermitage Evening Online. This time, the event will be dedicated to a theme closely connected with the art, culture, and historical heritage of Belgium — the Flemish still life of the 17th century.

Languages: Russian / French

The exhibition “Ars Vivendi” was held in 2024 in the largest hall of the Winter Palace — the Nicholas Hall.

This large-scale project brought together more than 70 paintings by Flemish masters of still life and animal painting from the flourishing era of 17th-century Flanders, as well as works of decorative and applied art.

The exhibition immersed visitors in the Baroque world of Flanders, filled with exotic curiosities, luxurious bouquets, floral garlands, and hunting trophies.

The 17th century in Flanders was a time of prosperous trade and cultural refinement. The region was filled with new goods and rare objects from the East, while local horticulturists learned to grow exotic flowers.

Wealthy citizens decorated their homes with paintings, elegant furniture, textiles, and fine tableware that reflected their prosperity and refined taste.

Designed by stage artists, the exhibition transformed the 19th-century hall into a fantastical Antwerp street, where visitors could hear the chatter of townsfolk, peek into windows of rich houses, admire magnificent still lifes — and even glimpse an elephant walking by!

During the online event, you will enjoy a detailed video tour of the exhibition presented by Vladislav Statkevich, Research Fellow of the State Hermitage Museum.

The event will also feature Mikhail Dedinkin, Head of the Department of Western European Fine Arts of the Hermitage and curator of the exhibition.

Join us for this virtual journey into the world of 17th-century Flemish art and experience the spirit of “living art” — Ars Vivendi!