Father Peter De Smet, famous missionary and explorer, was instrumental in bringing fifty-two
paintings to Saint Louis University many of which were Flemish, from Belgium in the 1830’s.
Some of this art is displayed in the Flemish Room
on the first floor of Cupples House. This room was originally intended for playing billiards.
Woodwork in the room is imported English Oak; the color scheme of the room is dominated by
rich, warm tones. It is important to note that these paintings are not original to the house.
However, although Mr. Cupples was Methodist, it would not have been uncommon for men of his status
to have collected old master paintings with Catholic iconography.
