The fact that Rubens was a connoisseur of architecture is clear from his paintings. But he was additionally involved in high-profile Antwerp projects, like the extension of his spacious studio-residence and possibly als the building of the present-day St. Charles Borromeus church, considered by his contemporaries as 'the eight wonder of the world'. Rubens found inspiration in painter-architects such as Michelangelo and Guilio Romano and in Italian books devoted to architecture.