Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish painter and is one of the most famous Baroque painters of the 17th century.
He was born in Siegen, Germany in 1577, but grew up in Belgium. He was not only a talented painter, but also a diplomat. He first went to Italy to study painters such as Titian, and later still copied him as a great model. There he was discovered and worked as a renowned court painter at various European courts, where he also took on diplomatic duties. He married Isabella and had three children. Unfortunately, he lost his wife early, but remarried and had eight more children with his second wife, who often served as a model for him.
In 1640 he died in Antwerp after a prolonged suffering from gout.
His painting style was characterized by lush, vibrant colors and a strong sense of movement and dynamism. He was a master of the Baroque and created works that stimulated the senses. His paintings are known for their sensual depiction of skin and tissue, as well as for their refined use of light.
Rubens' subjects were varied, but he was especially known for his mythological and religious works. An example of a religious masterpiece is the painting "The Holy Family with Little John."
Another famous work is "The Lion Hunt." It shows his ability to depict movement and dramatic tension. The wild animals and the human hunters literally merge in an explosive moment of action.
Another outstanding work is "The Adoration of the Magi." It shows Ruben's richness of detail and the splendor of the costumes is impressive.
He was also known for his paintings of women with lush, rounded forms that were considered emblematic of beauty and abundance and became known as the "Rubens Woman".
Rubens created over 3,000 works in his lifetime. He was undoubtedly one of the most influential painters of the Baroque period and left a rich legacy in the art world.
