Peter Paul Rubens

Date of Birth: June 28, 1577

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 30, 1640

Biography

Peter Paul Rubens was a renowned Flemish Baroque painter born in the late 16th century. Regarded as one of the most influential artists of his time, Rubens was known for his exuberant style that emphasized movement, color, and sensuality. He was born in Siegen, in present-day Germany, but spent most of his life in Antwerp, Belgium. Rubens received a humanist education, which influenced his work profoundly. He was both a scholar and an artist, fluent in multiple languages and well-versed in classical literature and history. His artistic training began under the tutelage of Tobias Verhaeght and later Adam van Noort and Otto van Veen. Rubens’ career took off when he traveled to Italy, where he was deeply influenced by the works of Renaissance masters such as Titian, Tintoretto, and Michelangelo. He served as a court painter to the Duke of Mantua and later worked in the courts of Spain and England. His commissions included altarpieces, portraits, landscapes, and history paintings that blended the classical and the contemporary. Rubens also played a significant role in diplomacy and was knighted by both Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England. Despite his immense success and wealth, Rubens remained deeply religious and dedicated to his craft until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Peter Paul Rubens

1. Rubens was knighted by both Charles I of England and Philip IV of Spain, making him one of the few artists to receive such honors.

2. He had a prolific output, with over 1,400 cataloged works to his name.

3. Rubens was also a diplomat and played a role in peace negotiations during the Thirty Years’ War.

4. He was a polyglot, fluent in at least six languages including Latin, Greek, Italian, French, Dutch, and Spanish.

5. Rubens owned a large workshop in Antwerp where he employed numerous apprentices and assistants, including renowned painter Anthony van Dyck.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter Paul Rubens

1. “My talent is such that no undertaking, however vast in size… has ever surpassed my courage.”

2. “Every child has the spirit of creation. The rubbish of life often exterminates the spirit through plague and a souls own wretchedness.”

3. “To paint a battle requires those who are warriors.”

4. “I paint things as they are. I am not a poet.”

5. “The prince and the artist are not incompatible; they exist in the same person.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Peter Paul Rubens amassed a significant fortune, estimated to be equivalent to several million dollars in today’s terms due to his numerous high-profile commissions and his successful workshop.

Children

Peter Paul Rubens had eight children. His first marriage to Isabella Brant produced three children: Clara Serena, Albert, and Nicholas. After Isabella’s death, Rubens married Helene Fourment, with whom he had five children: Clara Johanna, Frans, Isabella Helena, Peter Paul, and Constantia Albertina.