Peter Paul Rubens

Biography

Peter Paul Rubens was born on June 28, 1577, in the city of Siegen. He was a Netherlandish (Flemish) painter and draftsman, recognized as one of the founders and principal representatives of Flemish Baroque art. In addition to his artistic work, Rubens was involved in diplomatic activities and the collection of artworks. The creative legacy of the artist amounts to about three thousand paintings, a significant portion of which were produced in collaboration with his pupils and colleagues, the most notable being Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641). According to the M. Jaffé catalog, 1,403 authentic canvases are confirmed. Rubens worked across various genres, including mythological painting, historical painting, religious painting, nudes, portrait painting, landscape, as well as genre scenes and animal painting. Among his well-known works are 'The Elevation of the Cross', 'The Three Graces', 'The Garden of Love', 'The Hunt of Tigers and Lions', and 'Judith and Holofernes'. In 1624, he was elevated to nobility by the Spanish King Philip IV. In 1630, the English King Charles I bestowed knighthood on Rubens, incorporating a heraldic lion into his personal coat of arms. In 1635, after acquiring a castle in Elewijt, the artist received the title of lord. Peter Paul Rubens died on May 30, 1640, in Antwerp. His work is associated with the Baroque movement and Flemish Baroque painting, and culturally he belonged to the Spanish Netherlands.