Peter Paul Rubens

Pieter Pauwel (Peter Paul) Rubens (June 28, 1577 – May 30, 1640) was a Flemish artist, considered by many to be one of the greatest painters in European art history, a master of the Baroque style and the most important Flemish painter of the 17th century.

Painting for peace

His picture in the National Gallery, London, The Allegory of Peace and War (1629), reflects, and even illustrates, his strong concern for peace. It was given to Charles I and helped to create a peace treaty between London and Madrid. He visited the Netherlands, which was "enemy territory," partly to meet Dutch artists and partly to seek political reconciliation. There he encountered the attitude that courtiers should not use their hands in any art or trade. But because he was such a fine artist, Philip IV and Charles I both enjoyed his company as well as his art.

Related Topics:
1629 - Charles I - London - Madrid - Philip IV

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~