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Here is the first Portrait by Peter Paul Rubens. In the Baroque period, for the most part, Portraits where supposed to tell you something about the subject. It was either their power or personality. Here we see a prominent textile merchant of Persian rugs. He is standing over one of his fancy rugs. He is dressed like a Persian. His pose stands for power. His gaze is penetrating. This is one formidable fellow.

In this painting, we see a random scholar. He has a book in his hand. He seems like he is about to speak. The scenery is reminds me a bit of the Mona Lisa background. Putting Nature as a background was pretty common. The guy is dressed darker to stick out against the light background. He kinda looks like he has his hand outside the border of the painting. This was a pretty neat illusionist trick adopted by the Still Life artists of Holland.

In this painting, we see a pretty maiden dressed in black. Black back then was a fashionable color. It was a sign of status and money.  You see, black dye was the most expensive. If you notice, around the edges of the veil you can see some fancy gold borders. The pearl necklace is a nice detail. The way she is wrapping herself with the veil is quite modest. Thus, this painting shows both her feminine and financial aspects. Pretty neat if you ask me.

This one is more of a state Portrait. This one was meant to show the power and authority of a Monarch. The fancy dress of this maiden alone shows that she is rolling in wealth. The flowers stand for her femininity. The red velvet curtain stands for the power of the rulers. It also represents her royal bloodline. The Greek Pillars claim that she is the pillar of strength for Austria. It also stands for Renaissance education. The Saint behind the column stand for her Catholic inclination. By observing all the elements we know everything all about this queen.

This is another painting of a monarch. He is standing in the traditional kingly pose. His attire is richly adorned. He is resting his hand on top of the hilt of his sword. It has a neat foreshortening. The sword stands for both manliness and military prowess. He is a man of action. He almost seems like he is about to speak. You cannot be a statesman, without being good at public speaking.

This stately portrait is simple enough. We see his fancy black suit. He is gazing at the viewer. He has a funny Mona Lisa smile. The background is pure darkness, mimicking Caravaggio's light and darkness motif. Well, lets just move right along.

Infanta means princess. Well, in the old day, when kings and queens got tired of court life, they joined a monastery. This did not necessarily mean an end to their duties. However, they at least got to live simpler lives while maintaining their country. This maiden herself is still the ruler of the Netherlands. I like the strange halo glow around her head. It really makes her look saintly.

Again, we see the pillar and the velvet rug background. Aside from showing strength and nobility, they helped to take care of the background problem. Another interesting little detail is the half open study Bible in the hand of this maiden. This shows her religiosity. The fancy black attire and the jewelry stand for wealth. Well, this is all I can read out of this portrait.

Here, train refers to one's line of loyal followers. Her closets companion is her dog. Rubens took lots of pain to make him look muscular and manly (I.E. his doggie parts). He is the only figure she is showing some kind of affection. Beside her dog, we see her main pet midget. He has his hand on the dog while he waves the flag behind the lady. On her right, we see her other midget with her falcon. Both the dog and the falcon are hunting animals, it alludes to her liking of the thrill of the hunt. Behind her, we see her main adviser standing in a noble pose. The columns resemble Bernini's Badicchino. It alludes to her strong ties with Rome. The Persian rug shows her money management capabilities. Her fancy dress and jewelry, also stand for wealth. The background scenery is just for fun. 

In this painting, we see this nobleman with an open book. I suppose he is either a preacher or a philosopher. The background is a library. Behind him we see a bust of Plato. This shows that this man is antiquated with Greek classics. The odd round shape background alludes to the location in churches where mass is celebrated by the Priests. Well, let us just move right along.

In this painting, we see a random Cardinal. I do not know his name. He looks very young for his station. In the old days, the Medicci appointed members of their family to take up high positions in Rome. This young kid seems to be of the sort.

In this portrait, Rubens aims to portray the piety of his sitter. He has the priest in a kneeling, praying position. The funny looking hat was worn during mass. The staff is like those used by shepherds to guide their flock. It is a common Catholic metaphor to describe the priest's relationship with their lay followers. The ring also served as the official seal in those days.

This guy is really cool looking for being a Cardinal. Well, most Cardinals ,in those days, rarely tended to their flock. Here this Cardinal prince is leading his army. Like a crusader, an angel is guiding his righteous onslaught. Yeah, its nice to have God on your side. His black steed looks really cool. It matches well the Cardinal's black armor.

This painting focuses on this maiden's straw hat. The Lady's clothing do look really pretty . By now, you noticed a small fashion change. The cloudy background works pretty well.

You got to love those Counts and their knightly descent. This guy's sovereign right is depended on his knightly lineage. For this reason, he is sporting a knights armor in this painting. The sole light falls on his stern face. Kinda reminds me of one of those serious realistic Roman busts. 

In this painting, we see a King wearing a knight's armor. This shows his military prowess. The raised sword also stands for both the army and his manhood. The red background refers to his royal blood. This extreme light and darkness in a portrait was inspired by Velazquez Royal paintings of the Spanish Monarchy. The light falling in the monarch's face refers to the light of his soul. He is also looking at the viewer.

Well, this Duke certainly looks bold. In the belly of his armor, we see the logo of his region. His hand is holding a baculo. Its a power stick, kinda like a scepter. The red always stands for royal blood. The blade stands for military power. The curtain and the sky are simply decorations. Well, I think that is everything worth mentioning about this painting. 

Equestrian paintings became popular, after the Renaissance period. These monarchs wanted to mimic the political art of the Romans. Thus, here we have Doria ridding his horse. His puppy shows that he is loyal and the red ribbons stands for loyalty. Plus, the puppy shows that he loves hunting. He sports the knights armors. The scenery is really cool. Plus, the hair on the horse looks quite realistic. I think this is everything worth mentioning.

Well, here is the next Equestrian painting. It is the same as the one that came before. The only difference lies in the scenery. Behind the Duke, we see his army fighting. Needless to say, he is an army general. He is sporting his armor and his baculo.

In this painting, we see the Marchesa. Marchesa is the female version of Marquis. Needless to say, she is a very rich lady. Her dress is made of fancy silk. It glisters quite beautifully. The fancy neck thingy was fashionable during the time. As for the symbols, the fan stands for womanhood, the red curtain for royalty and the Greek columns stand for classical education.

This painting is quite the change of pace. This guy is a Persian. Well, the Portuguese did traded often with them. His eyes look really pretty. His attire is quite lovely. He must have a lot of money. In the background, we see the ruins of Constantinople.

Here is another pretty noblewoman. Its nice to see a change in the fashion of the time. Now, it is white, not black that is well liked in this maiden's country. Still, you got to admit that her cashmere dress is really pretty. You noticed the small parrot perking on her throne. That was her favorite pet.

In the next lovely portrait, we see a serious looking noble. His velvet robes look really frisky. He must have ton of money. Well, trade did allow for the rise of the merchant class. Anyone with connections to the Orient or the Americas could rise in the social ladder really easily. In any case, the sword shows he is a man of action. The ring has the insignia of his family.

This portrait is fit for a Queen!! And she is a queen too. By the 1600s, France was the center of culture, art and fashion. They set the standard for everything in Europe. For this reason, their royal paintings where always the most flamboyant. Here we see this lovely queen in a blue dress. Those flor de lis. (the gold flowers) stand for France. On her chest, we see a jewel cross. I think that is everything worth mentioning.

Here we see a super stiff painting of two monarchs. IT is quite the change of pace. The seemingly simplicity is opaque by the richness of their attire. Those gloves they have near each other are ridding gloves. They must have been hunting or in the outdoors. The scenery is the interior of a tent. The king looks at his queen. She however, is royally stiff. Its part of the royal inhumane acting to impress the commoners.

In this painting, we see the wife of a knight with her children. The two oldest daughters are in the center of the painting. I think it has more to do with Rubens' taste. You know, he thinks blondies are pretty(the irony is that he was never able to marry a blondy). The scenery is rather odd. What are those weird snake cherubs chicks? Behind the mother, we see a parrot. See, when someone gets a parrot all the high class ladies begin getting their own parrots. Ah! Those were the days.

Well, here is the last painting for now. Its simply shows a french king wearing a fancy knights armor. As usual, he is holding a power rod. Like the blue French Queen, Luis is sporting the blue with golden flor de lis mantle. The red curtain is a cropping tool. Ruben picked up this trick from Vermeer. 

In the old days, the kings and queens where going for that whole divine rule thing. Thus, they had paintings of themselves next to Greek Gods or Jesus. In this painting, the king on the far left side of the boat, is next to a human and a God. The boat is being rolled by seas nymphs. In the sky, we see two of his lucky stars and an apocalypse trumpet angel. This guy has a pretty high opinion of himself. He is the captain of his French ship. 

As is  typical of all monarchs, they imagine that the Gods glorify their birth. This painting celebrates the birth of Luis XIII. The maiden in red is the King's mother. The maiden in golden is Persephone, the Goddess of Spring. Behind her we see Hera and the Arch Angel Micheal. On the sky, we see the rising sun of Apollo. The snake guy holding the Baby is the God of Health. The doggie is just for fun.

As it was common, when a monarch asked for a painting, he usually ordered more than one. Rubens, by this time, was infamous for his painting series. This one also relates to the life of Maria de Medici. Here the Queen is making peace with her son. I do not see the kid. Rather, several deities are defeating discord as personified by a chimera. The Queen herself has in her hand the Caduceus. She is soaring to the sky to see her son. 

Part of the usual showcase of state portraits, involves showing off one's massive kingdom. Here a cherub boy is holding up the glove of the world for Emperor Charles. By now, the round world theory was well accepted. An interesting detail is the battle clothing of the king. It implies the age old desire of kings to expand their empires. This is only the beginning of his massive Empire.

Apotheosis means becoming a God. That Henry the VI was really quite the arrogant King. Oh, yeah, Don't forget! Kings and Queens always got a final say in the product of this painting. Well, the King is on the far left. He sports a Roman armor. Like Hercules, he is being taken to heaven after death. Maria de Medici is on the far right. The funny thing is that the Queen was quite happy to see the King die. However, to mask her joy, she ordered Rubens to make this painting for the honor of her husband. Yeah, her king was inferior to her. The Medici had enough money to look down on all European monarchs. They only married for the royal bloodline not for money. You know, to spice up their pedigree.

This is kinda like a ceiling painting. When one King makes an Apotheosis painting, others desire one. Here James I, got his own Apotheosis painting made by Rubens. The monarch is hanging out with the Olympians.

Well, this painting shows the classical education of the Queen. The Graces are teaching her manners. The guy with the violin is teaching her music. The maiden next to the Queen (the Girl in pink) is Athena. She is teaching the Queen law. Above the Queen is Hermes. He is teaching her about life and death. By the floor we see the bust of Plato and a Medusa shield. We also see a lyre and some paint brushes. I think these are all the educational items. This about summarizes the best education available of the Baroque period.

Both Greek Maidens represent their respective countries. The monarchies used to make a big deal of trading maidens. A chaste maiden represents an honorable royal line. Thus, the cherubs, the oceans and the angels are celebrating this epic event. Frankly, this was no big deal. However, Rubens was asked by the Medici Queen to make her life look interesting.

Well, Bellona is the chick personification of France. Here the Queen is made to Embody France. Plus, her form is similar to the Goddess of Justice. She has the icons of the Goddess. She is also being be crowned by some cherubs. In the floor, we see weapons of war.

In this painting, we see Maria de Medicci's crowning ceremony. This French Queen is being crowned by the church. Above her, some angels are showering her with gifts. The rest of the guys are just nobles and 2 of her dogs. The irony is that the dogs and the nobles have the same status in the eyes of the monarchs. Back then, both where fun little loyal, royal pets. Nothing too far out there.

The Garden of love is about the fashion of the day. Here we see very stylish couples. Here Rubens is introducing his new wife to his society. Before him and on the far right, we see two couples. The one in the floor represents the early stages of love. You know, the lovy dovy teenage stage. On the far right, we already see an established couple. They are poised and proper in their manners. In the center, we see the three Graces. One is  chaste, the other mature and the other is enraptured. The scenery is a Greek Temple of the 3 Graces. On the top right, we see a Venus fountain. The Water comes from her chest. All around, we see Cupids throwing arrows. Others bring the torch of fame and the laurel of Victory. This Garden is a glorification of married love life.

This painting celebrates the Queen's Happiness. She is really enjoying ruling without her King. Well, back then guys where no fun at all. Any monarch of her ranking, would have loved to rule solo. Thus, all around her we see celebrating deities.

Well, the Queen has arrived to France. All the forces of Nature are celebrating. She is being greeted by France. Above her, an apocalypse trumpet angel is announcing to the Christian kingdom of her arrival. The Water Nymphs are simply decorations. Rubens insisted that they be part of the painting. He said it would keep the noblemen interested in the painting.

Well, you know Dukes donated a lot of money to the church. The patrons that donated enough got their own paintings hung in a Church. Here we see the Duke and the Duchess adoring the mantle of the Trinity. Its pretty cool how the angels are holding up the mantle. The dress of the both nobles are pretty cute.

Here is the only armed conflict of this Queen. It was no big deal. Just quelling a small rebellion. Remember, that this Queen had a very boring life. To make herself cooler, she asked Rubens to make this an equestrian painting. Thus, she is ridding a white horse, while wearing the robes of France. The angel and lion make cute decorations. 

In this painting, we see a pretty lady with a Fan. Fans in those days where weird. Her white dress is really pretty. The gold borders and the peals are a lovely touch. I like how the dress seems to shimmer. The black background makes the maiden stick close to the foreground. This is a still life trick applied to a human. Works pretty well, if you ask me.

This painting is derived from Holland. At the time, such random light themes where pretty common in that place. They always mean more, than just painting the vulgar. On the surface, we see a Grandma lighting her grandson's candle. In Protestant Holland, this usually stood for the passing of wisdom. You know, old people teaching their kids about the Bible. This painting comes from such a candle tradition.

Whenever Rubens traveled, he would take his sketchbook. He would always sketched whatever picked his interest. As such, we have two random ladies with a dogie  The drawing is simply adorable. It is also an interesting take in the study of facial profiles. The dogie is in frontal profile. Her master is in side profile and her sister is in 3/4 profile. For a study of faces, this drawing works pretty well.

Baroque stands for rough pearl. It is an pearl that is not perfectly round. Thus, all ideas of idealism where being thrown out the window. This painting exemplifies this change of pace. Here we see an old woman. There is nothing ideal about her features. Yet, there is something of a divine spark about her countenance. The veil implies that she is in a church praying. At the twilight of her life, she has devoted herself to God's Work.

By now, many rich people in Europe had household slaves. It is interesting to note that Rubens took the time to paint a slave. Judging by the slaves's expressions, Rubens must have seen a divine spark in this humble man. You must remember, that in those days painting was not done for the hell of it. It speaks well of Rubens that he would choose to paint a slave. Then again, he needed to study the blacks to make good Bible and Egyptian hunting paintings.

You know, the modelling the profession began during the Baroque period. With so many painters looking for models, all the hot poor guys used to model in the streets. Like this kid, they would curl their hair and take a bath with the hopes that a painter would hire them. The job was not lucrative, however, it was better than working in a pigsty. Here is one of such bravados models. It is interesting to note the homo erotic qualities of this model. This is reflected in this young man's red lips... Many a times,such a modeling job led the bravados to an even more lucrative job of the time. Prostitution. Yeah, things where harsh back then.

This painting represents Vanity. Usually, any maiden with a mirror stands for Vanity, one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Like Vanity, this maiden is checking for wrinkles. She is making certain that her beauty is still sublime. Its a pretty interesting painting, to say the least.

Here is the last study. Basically, we have two old men. The one in the foreground looks really pretty. The curls work pretty well. Rubens showed the shoulder of this man for Homo erotic purposes. Nothing too far out there. The other guy was just to fill up space. Thinking about it, it alludes to how this guy's beauty is going to fade. Now, he looks pretty, later he will turn into the old man in the background. He also looks like the perfect Jesus.

These paintings are more important that his commissioned work. Rubens would not have made any monetary gain from painting his family. Still, for status purposes they worked like a charm. Thus, here we have Rubens with his second wife. The baby girl in blue and gold is one of their children. They are outside in their garden. The wife seems to be chastising the girl who was asking for sweets. Rubens is telling his wife to be nice. He has more experience with children, than his second wife. The scenery is pretty cute. Behind them, we see Rubens' parrot. It was a gift from a Portuguese Monarch. For a family scene, this painting works pretty well.

Frankly, I like Rubens' first wife a lot better. The second wife is such a meany. Here Rubens painted his fist wife quite beautifully. She looks like a very gentlewoman. The pearls are a nice detail. I think its pretty neat how she seems to be about to speak. This painting was made a few years before she died. Its a bummer that Isabella Brandt had to die so young.

Here is a simple portrait of one of Rubens' daughters. Like we all know, Rubens likes blonde girls. Thus, his little daughter became the subject of this portrait. Her clothing is of little consequences. Rubens wanted to capture the beauty of his little girl.

This portrait is in black and white because only the book replica has survive. Only, God knows who has the original. In any case, this is a portrait of Peter Paul Rubens' brother. He is dressed like a Spanish nobleman.

Nobles back then prided themselves in having Greek discussions. Thus, in this painting we see Rubens and his brother conversing with two scholars. Behind them, we see the Bust of Plato. The doggie is there just for fun. It is interesting how they placed flowers before Plato as if he was a saint. The background is pretty neat. Only Rubens and his brother are looking at the viewer.

Like we all know, it was the male legitimate heirs the ones in charge of continuing the family line. Here we see Rubens two eldest sons. The first born is looking at the viewer. His pose is rather cocky and arrogant. He has a book in one of his hands. His other hand is around his younger brother. The younger kid is dressed in a more colorful attire. He seems to be playing with a figurine.

Here is an extremely pretty painting featuring Helena Fourment. This painting was made during her early married years. Her fancy black and blue dress is really pretty. The pink flowers are a lovely detail. They stand for fertility. It shows how Rubens hoped that his new wife would give him many children.

Here is another painting of Rubens' second wife. Here, Helena Fourment is wearing a dress fit for a queen. Like such, she is sitting on a throne. Behind her we see the balcony of Rubens' mansion.

Like a Madonna, Rubens painted his second wife with her firstborn. Its pretty cute the frightened look of the kid. Judging by her shirt, it seems like she is about to feed her kid. The scenery is kinda toned down. One just gets the impression of a far away place... Impression. Its food for thought, to say the least. Here we start seeing a few traces of Impressionism here and there.

At this point, Helena Fourment looks really tired. Well, two kids are a handful even with an army of servants.  It seems that Francis was Helena Fourment's favorite kid. She is always hugging her first born male son. I feed bad for her second daughter. She is kinda shoved in the background. Its cute how Francis is holding onto his mother's clothing while looking at the viewer. She in turn is looking at her cute kid.

With so much emphasize on those pearls, I would imagine that Rubens was copying Jan Vermeer. Their countries did use to be one. Still, I am only speculating. In any case, this is another Portrait featuring Rubens' second wife.

This painting gives us a pretty good idea of the sort neighborhood that Rubens lived in. So, basically in this painting we see Rubens' wife about to go out for a stroll. She is wearing a very fancy black dress. Judging by her veil, it seems she is about to go to church. Behind her, a servant boy is carrying her praying cushion. Yeah, those nobles liked to humble themselves in style.

Again, we see another painting of Helena Fourment. It is not that he liked this new wife a lot. However, he had to impress her father to keep getting money for this chick. By now, his second wife is rather plum. This sorta thing happens after child bearing.    

This was Rubens first family portrait. Here we get a good view of this artist early style. As you notice, their attire is highly detailed. I frankly find his first wife prettier, than his second. Anyhow, here we see the newly weds hand holding. They are in a Garden of Eden kind of setting. Rubens' other hand is holding onto his sword. This stands for manliness. His wife is holding a fan, for femininity  I think that is everything worth mentioning.

Well, here is the last featured self portrait of Peter Paul Rubens. He is hanging out with some good friends. It is interesting to note the age difference among his pals. He is friends to both the young and the old. The city of Mantua is visible in the background.