This reading of the exhibition undoubtedly shows the internal coherence of the archducal art collection and its function in the Court in a surprising, almost interactive fashion. A third level of interpretation concerns the exploration of the intellectual world of Albert and Isabella. The exhibition is built around the mannerist categories which the Archdukes themselves used and which are documented by Brueghel's Five Senses, painted in collaboration with Hendrick Van Balen, which are at first sight a simple representation of the archducal art collections. Brueghel's Touch makes a direct connection with both armaments and love and so opens the possibility of linking the theme of war and peace directly to the art collection itself. His Hearing allegorically reflects on the harmony in South Netherlandish society for which the princes should strive, thus making themselves ideal princes.
Sight shows the art cabinet as the opening of a mirror of the world.
Taste illustrates not only the taste of the Archdukes, 'good taste', but also shows the efforts which the Archdukes made to spread such 'good taste' at all levels of society as part of their civilising mission. Finally, Smell , which Brueghel himself linked to Marian devotion, not only examines the archducal gardens and flowers, but also uses these elements to illuminate the 'odour of sanctity' and the fundamental Pietas Austriaca . The central part of this arrangement is formed by the seven-pointed star, the symbol of the archducal attempts to bring about an earthly paradise and to utilise the various arts to that end. The peak of this attempt was the development of the pilgrim site of Scherpenheuvel in a heptagonal church in a heptagonal close. The seven-pointed star at the centre of the layout also embodies the princely sovereignty of Albert and Isabella.