Peter Paul Rubens
1577–1640 · Baroque & Dutch Golden Age
Biography
Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640), based in Antwerp, was the leading painter of the Flemish Baroque. A diplomat and scholar as well as an artist, he ran a large workshop and created dynamic, sensual works for courts and churches across Europe.
From the artist’s life
Blessed with exceptional abilities, Rubens spoke several languages, was well versed in culture and history and, on top of that, had a captivating personality. He excelled in many fields; besides painting he designed books, tapestries, buildings and much more. Under the enormous demand for his services he created the largest studio in Europe. It is not known how many people he employed in his workshop, since as a court painter he did not have to belong to a guild. Rubens often painted a small-scale version of the commissioned work, had it approved by his client and then passed it on to his assistants as a model. They did most of the work, and Rubens added only the final brushstrokes and his signature. Needless to say, he became incredibly rich. This does not mean that Rubens cheated his clients; with minimal contribution he was able to transform a picture and breathe life into it.
From the page of The Union of Earth and Water
Rubens had enormous energy; he often got up at four in the morning to start work. According to one contemporary’s account, Rubens once dictated a letter and talked to another visitor while painting. Rubens was not only an extremely prolific painter who ran a busy workshop but also an excellent diplomat. The impeccably mannered, intelligent artist had an excellent feel for languages: he spoke Flemish, Italian, French, German and Spanish, and travelled freely from one European court to another.
From the page of Medici Cycle: The Exchange of Princesses of France and Spain
