Stairwell

The painting Vanity of Riches is an absolute eye-catcher on the staircase. This painting is said to have been commissioned in 1637 from Rubens' studio by the famous Bishop Jansenius of Ypres (1585-1638). The expensive clothing, jewellery and gold objects refer to wealth. The monkey, the parrot and the crystal ball symbolise vanity. The soap bubbles remind us of transience. In the centre is a vase of flowers. Flowers have always been a symbol of vanity, but what is striking here is the prominent role given to flaming tulips. This may have something to do with the tulip mania that swept Amsterdam in 1637, the year in which this painting was commissioned.