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Peter Paul Rubens Essay

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In 1600, Peter Paul Rubens left his home in Antwerp, and he set off to Italy. Soon after arriving in Italy, Ruben entered the service of the Duke of Mantua, Vincenzo Gonzaga.

• The duke's palace had a great art collection, and Ruben found time to visit various other cities in Italy since he wasn't expected to be at the household all of the time.

• Rubens completed his education in Rome.

• During Rubens' first visit to Rome, he painted 3 altarpieces for the Church of Sta Croce.

• In 1603, Peter's duke sent Peter on a diplomatic mission to Spain where he made an equestrian portrait of the Duke of Lerma.

• In 1605, Rubens decided to stay in Rome for 3 years, and during this period of, he commissioned and created various pieces of art and decoration.

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Maria in Vallicella. At first, he created an altarpiece that showed St. Gregory, various other saints, and Madonna and Child. The poor lighting in the church did not make a good impression of this altarpiece. Then, Rubens decided to replace this altarpiece with three images painted on slate.

• His mother's sickness and death would change Rubens' career forever. When Rubens heard that his mother was sick, he left Italy to return to Antwerp, but he would never come back.

• In Antwerp, the sovereigns, or rulers, of Spanish Netherlands appointed Ruben as court painter. Archduke Albert and his consort, Isabella.

• Rubens created the "Four Philosophers", and the humanistic atmosphere pf Antwerp helped to inspire and influence the work of art. This painting is a commemorative one with Justus Lipsius with 2 pupils being Rubens and his brother.

• The "Raising of the Cross" meant for the church of St. Walburga, and this piece of art made him the leading master of the city.

• Soon after, Rubens created hunting pieces with men fighting beasts as well as more religious yet worldly pieces of art such as "Descent From the Cross” and "Great Last

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