I wanted to begin this post with one of my favourite Rubens paintings. Isn't it cute?
Sir Peter Paul Rubens lived from 1577 to 1640. He was a Flemish artist who painted in the Flemish Baroque mode.
Flemish Baroque painters created their art in the 16th and 17th centuries when Spain controlled the south of Holland.
Rubens was an artist and a politician. He trained as an artist then spent 8 years travelling around Spain practising Renaissance and Classical art.
He went home when his mum was dying. He was aged 33 when he was appointed as Court Painter in Antwerp.
Now I will show you some more of my favourite Rubens paintings.
I like this painting because the lady's face makes me feel she is disappointed in her appearance. Rubens has painted her as a woman of the times with an amazing gown and loose hair. He is reputed to have been a handsome guy so I bet she was happy to model for him.
This portrait fascinates me because Rubens hasn't held back in trying to capture a likeness. The lady even seems to have broken veins on her cheeks.
Her hat, dress and scarf are very detailed. They obviously liked squashed upward breasts in those days.
This horrible subject shows Rubens' versatility. All those wild snakes, yuk!!
I leave you with a glimpse of Interior of the Rubenshuis Museum, Rubens House, former home and studio of painter Peter Paul Rubens:
Wouldn't it be great to visit there?
