3-003-780 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ball given in the Theatre at Antwerp on the occasion of the Artistic Congress recently held in that city, 1861. 'Our Artist sends us a Drawing of the interior of the Théatre des Variétés at Antwerp...the audience portion was magnificently ornamented with flowers, statuary, and flags pendent from the ceiling...The stage portion of the salle was ornamented with trelliswork, pilasters, and panels filled with flowers...On Monday, the tables being removed [after the banquet], this extensive saloon was turned into a ballroom, some new decorations, including a fountain surrounded by flowers, being added. The orchestra was placed above, in the flies over the stage. The scene, having the additional attraction of the presence of ladies, was a most brilliant one'. Above the stage: 'Welcom Alle in Rubens' Stod' (Welcome all to Rubens' [studio?]). From "Illustrated London News", 1861.