Rockoxhuis is the former baroque residence of Nicolaas II Rockox (1560-1640), Lord of the Mayor of Antwerp. Especially for the interior design of the building, not only furniture and equipment were designed, but also paintings and works of art. Rockox was commissioned by, among others the famous painting "Samson and Dalil" by Peter Paul Rubens (currently he is in the National Gallery of London).
Rockox was a close friend of Rubens, with whom he regularly ordered paintings - both for presentation in public places, as well as for his private residences. Rockox has created a private painting collection that includes the works of Anthony van Dyck, Frans Snyders, Jan van Eyck and Pieter Bruegel.
Nicolaas II Rockox also became famous as a philanthropist. He allocated a significant portion of his huge fortune to supporting the poor - including to create a public grain reserve for the poor in the event of war or siege. He died childless and his property was given to charity.
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