On October 21, another Hermitage Evening took place on the virtual platform of the Russian House in Brussels. This time, the meeting was devoted to a theme closely connected with Belgium’s art, culture, and historical heritage — the Flemish still life of the 17th century.

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 Baroque period of Flanders, as well as pieces of decorative and applied art. The exhibition immersed visitors in the world of Baroque Flanders, filled with exotic rarities, magnificent bouquets, floral garlands, and hunting trophies.

The 17th century in Flanders was a time of thriving trade. The region was filled with goods and curiosities brought from the East, and Flemish gardeners began cultivating rare plants. Wealthy citizens sought to adorn their homes with paintings reflecting their prosperity and refined taste, along with elegant furniture, textiles, and tableware.

Designed by theatre artists, the exhibition transformed the 19th-century hall into an imaginative Antwerp street — where visitors could hear the sounds of the city, peek into the windows of grand houses, admire luxurious still lifes, and even spot an elephant strolling through the streets.

A detailed online tour of the exhibition was led by Hermitage researcher Vladislava Statkevich. The meeting was joined by Mikhail Dedinkin, Head of the Department of Western European Fine Art and curator of the exhibition, who added insightful commentary and answered numerous questions from participants.

By popular demand, the screening of the second part of the “Ars Vivendi” tour will take place on November 18 at 6:00 PM.

Watch the tour: