In the seventeenth century, hundreds of artists were trained as painters in Rubens' workshop. Remarkably, Rubens, exceptionally for our region, also allowed sculptors to work in his workshop. One of these sculptors was Lucas Faydherbe, a young sculptor from Mechelen. In Antwerp, he created sculptures based on Rubens' designs.
Rubens and Faydherbe shared a warm friendship. On May 9, 1640, Rubens wished his friend Lucas all the happiness in his marriage. He asked him not to rush in carving a small ivory child because he needed to prioritize having real children.
