The altar is decorated with a magnificent baroque antependium with gold and silver threads
on linen fabric. It’s known as the vestments and are hung in front of the altars. We can admire an
intricate plant network, composed of numerous convolutions around the central medallion that bears
the letters A and M for Ave Maria, intertwined with an I and an R for Immaculata Regina.
At the top of the medallion, is the crown of the Virgin. This antependium was
probably a gift from Archduchess Isabella, regent of our country and the daughter
of King Philip II.

Tombstone of Claude Bouton
The magnificent transi of the Bouton couple, is a funerary monument that appeared
in the 14th century when plague and wars decimated the population. This effigy is
preceded by the popular story: “Tale of the Three Dead and the Three Living”. The
message is clear: our lives are vanity. Claude Bouton was the chamberlain
of Emperor Charles V. His wife, Jacqueline de Lannoy, is also represented
in a skeletal state but with her long, wavy hair, to accentuate what
the separation between life and death. The motto “Souvenir tue” is inscribed above the heads,
accompanied by the coats of arms of the two families. Their house was located on Place du
Sablon. Bouton was also a poet, a passion he shared with Margaret of Austria, aunt
of Emperor Charles V. He had a funeral chapel erected in the church at Sablon
when his wife died. All that remains of the chapel and monument in black marble is
this stone embedded in the wall. He had his own verses written on their tomb:
“Look at our faces and their semblance,
O curious, full of arrogance,
Very clear mirror you currently have.
Alas, what is worth great pride and pompousness,
rich clothes, houses and great finance.
Everything must be left and taken finely,
but what so brief that everything most often
We do not have enough good
Turn to God out of good repentance.
This time you have to live amendment,
And all your acts, your sayings and thoughts
Will weigh very justly Libra.”