While Rubens stayed in Elewijt with his family, his workshop in Antwerp was in full swing. Between 1636 and 1640, he worked on one of his largest assignments ever: more than eighty paintings for the decoration of King Philip IV of Spain's hunting lodge. Acting as a true manager, he gave instructions to the staff in Antwerp from his country residence in Elewijt. In the summer of 1638, he put the young sculptor Faydherbe in charge of the workshop and asked him to send a panel with three study heads to the castle so he could make preparatory sketches for the large order.
But it wasn't all about work. In Elewijt, Rubens enjoyed time with his family and found relaxation. In the same note to Faydherbe, he asked for some bottles of vin d’Ay - the best red wine available at that time - to be sent to the castle since the stock they brought was already depleted. He also asked if Faydherbe could inquire with his gardener Willem if the pears and figs were ripe or if there was anything else delicious from his garden. While Rubens enjoyed the fruits from his city garden in Elewijt, the paintings for the Spanish king were completed at record speed in the workshop in Antwerp.
