Antwerp

Antwerp, where Rubens lived 300 years ago, has added to its immense collection of the master's works a painting depicting his conception of the Roman philosopher, Seneca.

Authorities declare that only two etchings ever proceeded from Rubens' hand. One of them was a head of Seneca, now belonging to the British Museum. It was at first thought that the Seneca acquired by the city of Antwerp was the famous etching, but subsequent brief despatches indicate that it is a painting discovered at Riga. The price paid was only $7,000.

Antwerp's great Rubens treasure is the trio hung in her Cathedral: The Descent from the Cross, The Elevation of the Cross, The Assumption.

It was Antwerp which gave Rubens his two beautiful wives, Isabella Brant and Helena Fourment; and, although Rubens' male line is extinct, more than 100 great families of Belgium and the rest of Europe claim descent from him on the distaff side.