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Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish Baroque artist and diplomat

Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish artist known for his Baroque style, classical and Christian history references, and vibrant compositions. He was also a diplomat, scholar, and art collector, producing a wide range of works including altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and tapestry designs.

Related

Rembrandt Raphael Titian Paul Janssen Pablo Picasso Peter Drucker Vincent van Gogh Paul Gauguin Johannes Vermeer Michelangelo

Timeline

Jan Rubens and Maria Pypelincks flee Antwerp

Due to increased religious turmoil and persecution of Protestants in the Spanish Netherlands, Jan Rubens and Maria Pypelincks, parents of Peter Paul Rubens, fled Antwerp for Cologne.

Jan Rubens becomes legal advisor to Anna of Saxony

Jan Rubens, father of Peter Paul Rubens, became the legal advisor and lover to Anna of Saxony, the second wife of William I of Orange. The family settled at her court in Siegen.

Birth of Peter Paul Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish artist and diplomat, was born in Germany to parents who were refugees from Antwerp. He is considered the most influential artist of the Flemish Baroque tradition, known for his highly charged compositions referencing classical and Christian history.

Rubens moves to Antwerp with his mother

After the death of his father, Rubens moved with his mother to Antwerp in 1589. He was raised Catholic and religion played a significant role in his later works.

Rubens completes his education and enters the Guild of St. Luke

In 1598, Peter Paul Rubens finished his education and became an independent master by joining the Guild of St. Luke in Antwerp.

Peter Paul Rubens' Sojourn in Italy

In May 1600, Rubens traveled to Italy where he absorbed the artistic styles of Renaissance masters like Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

Arrival in Rome

In August 1601, Rubens arrived in Rome where he quickly assimilated the new Baroque style heralded by artists like Annibale Carracci and Caravaggio.

Rubens' Visit to Rome

In 1602, Rubens visited Rome where he painted three works for the Church of Santa Croce in Jerusalem. This visit allowed him to study classical sculpture and works by renowned artists like Raphael and Michelangelo.

Rubens' Diplomatic Mission to Spain

In 1603, Rubens traveled to Spain on a diplomatic mission, delivering gifts from the Gonzagas to the court of Philip III. During his stay, he viewed the extensive art collections of Raphael and Titian, and painted an equestrian portrait of the Duke of Lerma.

The Fall of Phaeton

Peter Paul Rubens painted The Fall of Phaeton on canvas around 1604/05, with possible reworking between 1606 and 1608. The painting is currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Rubens' Return to Antwerp

In 1608, Rubens planned to depart from Italy to Antwerp upon hearing of his mother's illness. However, she passed away before his return. His arrival in Antwerp coincided with a period of prosperity due to the signing of the Treaty of Antwerp in April 1609.

Marriage of Rubens to Isabella Brant

On October 3, 1609, Rubens married Isabella Brant, the daughter of a prominent Antwerp citizen. This marriage further solidified his ties to the city.

The Raising of the Cross

Painted in 1610 for the Cathedral of Our Lady, this altarpiece by Rubens showcases a blend of influences including Tintoretto's Crucifixion, Michelangelo's dynamic figures, and Rubens's personal style, establishing him as a leading painter in Flanders.

The Elevation of the Cross

The Elevation of the Cross is a painting by Peter Paul Rubens depicting the crucifixion of Jesus. It is known for its dynamic composition and emotional intensity.

The Four Philosophers

The painting titled 'Self-portrait with Justus Lipsius, Philip Rubens, and Jan Wowerius, known as The Four Philosophers' was created around 1611-12. It features the artist Peter Paul Rubens with three other prominent figures, symbolizing philosophical ideas.

The Four Evangelists

A painting created around 1614, depicting the four Evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Daniel in the Lion's Den

A painting depicting the biblical story of Daniel miraculously surviving in a den of lions, created around the year 1615.

The Wolf and Fox Hunt

In about 1616, Rubens created The Wolf and Fox Hunt, which was one of several large hunting pictures made as alternatives to tapestries. These paintings were sold to patrons like the duke of Bavaria.

The Judgment of Solomon

The Judgment of Solomon is an oil painting on canvas created by Peter Paul Rubens around 1617, now displayed at the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen. The painting showcases Rubens' artistic talent and style.

Rubens begins printmaking enterprise

In 1618, Peter Paul Rubens started a printmaking venture by obtaining a triple privilege to protect his designs in France, the Southern Netherlands, and the United Provinces. He collaborated with various engravers to disseminate his art across Europe.

Christ on the Cross (Le Coup de Lance)

One of Rubens's important religious compositions, depicting Christ on the Cross, also known as Le Coup de Lance.

End of the Twelve Years' Truce

The Twelve Years' Truce, a temporary cessation of hostilities between the Spanish Habsburg rulers and the Dutch Republic, came to an end in 1621.

Arrival of Marie de Medici at Marseilles

The Arrival of Marie de Medici at Marseilles is a painting by Peter Paul Rubens depicting the queen's arrival in France. It symbolizes the beginning of her regency.

Knighthood by Philip IV of Spain

Rubens was knighted by Philip IV of Spain in 1624, recognizing his contributions as a diplomat and artist.

Rediscovery of Portrait of George Villiers

In 2017, a painting of George Villiers that had been lost for nearly 400 years was found in Pollok House, Glasgow, Scotland. Conservation efforts revealed that the painting was not a copy but the original work by the master himself.

Death of Isabella Brant

In 1626, Rubens' wife Isabella Brant passed away, causing great sorrow for Rubens and their children. Isabella was known as an excellent companion and loving spouse.

Rubens portrays the royal family in Madrid

In 1628-29, Rubens spent seven months in Madrid where he painted portraits of the royal family and created copies of works by Titian.

Rubens completes ceiling paintings at Banqueting House in London

In 1629-30, Rubens spent nine months in London completing the ceiling paintings at the Banqueting House in Whitehall, which were finished in Antwerp by 1634.

Peace Treaty between England and Spain

In 1630, Peter Paul Rubens played a key role in negotiating the peace treaty between England and Spain. As a result of his successful diplomacy, he was awarded an honorary master of arts degree from the University of Cambridge.

Death of Archduchess Isabella

In 1633, Archduchess Isabella, to whom Rubens was close, passed away. Rubens had served not only as a painter but also as an ambassador and diplomat to her.

Oversaw the royal entry into Antwerp

Rubens oversaw the ephemeral decorations of the royal entry into Antwerp by the Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand of Austria in 1635. His influence spread the Genoese palace style in Northern Europe through his book 'Palazzi di Genova'.

Dance of the Villagers

A painting on board dating back to 1636 illustrating a lively dance scene among villagers.

The Little Fur (Helen Fourment, the Second Wife to the Artist)

An oil painting on oak panel from around 1638, portraying Helen Fourment, the second wife of the artist.

Rubens, his wife Helena Fourment, and their son Peter Paul

An oil painting on wood from around 1639, depicting Peter Paul Rubens, his wife Helena Fourment, and their son.

Death of Peter Paul Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens, a prolific artist known for his history paintings, portraits, and tapestry designs, passed away in 1640. He was also a diplomat and art collector, leaving behind a significant impact on the art world.

Publication of 'Peter Paul Rubens: the Decius Mus cycle'

In 1985, Baumstark, Reinhold published a book titled 'Peter Paul Rubens: the Decius Mus cycle' which focused on a specific cycle of paintings by Rubens.

Publication of 'The Catholic Rubens: Saints and Martyrs'

In 2014, Sauerlander, Willibald published a book titled 'The Catholic Rubens: Saints and Martyrs' which examines Rubens' altarpieces in the context of the Counter-Reformation.

Rubens and his Legacy, Royal Academy, review: 'fascinating'

A review titled 'Rubens and his Legacy' was published by Mark Hudson on January 19, 2015, regarding an exhibition at the Royal Academy. The review describes the exhibition as fascinating, highlighting the enduring influence of the artist Rubens.

Rubens's workshop and apprentices

Rubens had a large workshop with many apprentices and students, including about 20 identified pupils or assistants. It was common at the time for artists like Rubens to have a workshop with collaborators, but not all of them were officially registered.

Peter Paul Rubens Exhibition Opening

Peter Paul Rubens Exhibition Opening is scheduled to take place on February 18, 2023. It will showcase the works of the renowned Flemish painter.

Closing of Peter Paul Rubens Exhibition

The closing date of the Peter Paul Rubens Exhibition is set for March 13, 2024. This marks the end of the display of artworks by the Flemish painter.

End of the Timeline
Peter Paul Rubens

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