Published by Hannibal Books, The Rubens Garden: A Masterpiece in Bloom is a bilingual (English-Dutch) volume dedicated to the recent restoration of the Rubenshuis in Antwerp. This book, written by Klara Alen, research curator of the historical garden of the Rubenshuis, delves into the history, design, and botanical composition of this hidden gem, once the private retreat of the Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens.

The book serves as a historical study and a visual tribute to the garden’s rebirth, which was carefully restored based on historical sources and artistic representations. Since there are no surviving records directly documenting Rubens’ own garden plans, the restoration team, including architects Robbrecht & Daem, landscape design team Ars Horti and fashion designer Dries Van Noten, relied on period references and contemporary horticultural expertise. The result is a magnificent green space that blends historical authenticity with a modern aesthetic, ensuring year-round colour and vibrancy.

Alen’s narrative offers an engaging blend of art history, garden design, and glimpses into Rubens’ private life. The book details how the garden was not only a personal refuge for the artist but also a place where he entertained guests, conducted business, and enjoyed family life. A particularly fascinating aspect is the alphabetical catalogue of plants now found in the restored garden, listed with their Latin and common names. Accompanied by historical illustrations and contemporary photographs, this section highlights species such as Aquilegia vulgaris (columbine), Taxus baccata (yew), and Tulipa (tulip), many of which were popular in Baroque gardens.

One of the book’s most charming historical anecdotes comes from a letter Rubens wrote in 1638, in which he instructed his assistant Lucas Faydherbe to remind the gardener to send him pears and figs from the garden. This small detail underscores how Rubens valued not only the garden’s beauty but also its practical delights.

The restoration project, which marks a significant phase in the Rubenshuis renovation, repositions the garden as an integral part of the museum’s visitor experience. The newly designed entrance at Hopland 13, along with the Rubens Experience and library, offers a more immersive journey into the world of the artist. Thanks to Dries Van Noten’s colour consultancy, the redesigned garden now flourishes with 17,500 plants, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.

The book is an excellent resource for art lovers, garden enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Antwerp. The Rubens Garden: A Masterpiece in Bloom is not just a book about a garden—it is an invitation to step into Rubens’ world and experience the harmonious blend of art, nature, and history that defined his life.