Rubens ..

Rubens was, no doubt a little in spite of himself, an immense court portraitist. If he wanted first to paint great historical subjects, he excelled in the field of the ceremonial portrait, visiting the most brilliant courts of Europe. Prized for his erudition and conversation, he also played an important diplomatic role, enjoying an unparalleled social position among the artists of his time. Around the portraits of Philip IV, Louis XIII or Marie de Medici made by Rubens and some famous contemporaries (Pourbus, Champaigne, Velázquez, Van Dyck ...), the exhibition plunges the visitor into a palatial atmosphere at the heart of the diplomatic intrigues of Seventeenth century.--Musée du Luxembourg.