This is the first monographic exhibition devoted to Theodoor Rombouts (1597- 1637). Rombouts was one of the most successful artists of his era, both in Antwerp and in Italy. Even so, his name doesn’t ring a bell for many today. Now is the time to re-establish his name as a leading Flemish Caravaggist. His contemporaries included Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck. Rombouts developed an artistic identity that was entirely his own. The standout elements of Rombouts’ varied oeuvre are his huge, lively genre scenes, with merry, elegant groups of musicians and other figures. During his lifetime he was virtually the only Antwerp artist who painted such scenes. The MSK will bring paintings from around the world to Ghent.