Jacob Jordaens was a famous painter from Antwerp. He lived from 1593 to 1678. He was, just like Rubens, a pupil of A. van Noort. In 1616 he married Catharina, the daughter of this master. He received many commissions from high authorities. By birth the painter was Catholic but at later age converted to Protestantism. He died at 85 years of age from the "sweating disease" or polder fever. His daughter died a few hours later. After his death, the painter was buried in Putte in the Netherlands.

There are more internments of protestants from Antwerp in Putte dating from that period. As it happens Putte was the closest cemetery in the Protestants North. This cemetery was located where the statue of Jordaens is currently situated. The church and cemetery were later destroyed.

The gravestone of Jordaens was discovered by chance in 1829, after which attempts were made to bring it to Antwerp. In the end the gravestone remained in Putte. In 1845, the gravestone of Jordaens, together with a number of other gravestones, received a simple enclosure. An international committee erected the statue for Jacob Jordaens in Putte in the Netherlands after a design by Jef Lambeaux. The gravestones have been incorporated in the plinth including the one of Jacob Jordaens. The fact that Jordaens was born 400 years ago was celebrated in Putte with a large party in 1993. The monument can be found in the centre of Putte, in the Antwerpsestraat, straight opposite the church.

See also Small Monuments Route Putte