Antique Print of St Catherine. After Rubens. C.1850

Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish painter and one of the most influential artists of the Baroque period. Born in Siegen, Germany, he grew up in Antwerp, where he trained as a painter. He traveled to Italy and Spain, studying Renaissance masters like Titian, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo, which greatly influenced his dynamic and dramatic style. Rubens became famous for his large-scale, energetic compositions filled with movement, rich colors, and emotional intensity. His works often depicted religious, mythological, and historical themes. Among his most famous paintings are The Descent from the Cross, The Garden of Love, and The Consequences of War. Aside from painting, Rubens was also a diplomat, working for European courts and nobility. His workshop in Antwerp produced numerous masterpieces with the help of talented assistants, including Anthony van Dyck. He died in 1640 in Antwerp, leaving behind a vast artistic legacy that continues to inspire generations.