This was originally
posted here on Easter Sunday 2011. It is one of my favorite paintings by Rubens,
and it very easy to see why. Happy Easter!
This is a wonderful painting by Peter Paul Rubens, a
German born painter. I am unsure of its name. Rubens moved to Antwerp when he was 10 years old in 1587. His
works speak for themselves and he is considered to be one of the Masters of the
Flemish painters, as well as one of the chief influences of the "Baroque
Period."
His paintings are largely religious in their themes, and
he was unique, for his time, in painting Christ as empowered, rather than as a
victim. His father had been persecuted for his religious beliefs and fled from
Antwerp to Germany, seeking religious freedom. It was there that Peter Paul
Rubens was born in 1577. When the elder Mr. Rubens died in 1587, his widow
returned, with the young Peter Paul, to Antwerp, where he was destined for
great things, both as an artist, as well as a diplomat.
Rubens was fluent in Latin and Greek, and became a
messenger to a noblewoman, the Countess of Lalaing. Although he disliked court
life, he did make friends and forge alliances, which would be of aid to him in
his later years as a diplomat.
When he returned home to Antwerp, he made the decision to
become a painter. A student of three masters —Tobias Verhaecht, Adam van Noort,
and Otto van Veen, he honed his skills, until in 1598 he was accepted as a
Master in the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke. He was now a Master Painter at the age
of 21.
By 1616 Rubens would go on to paint what is often
considered to be the companion piece to this painting. It was called
"Christ Risen." Google him and look at some of his extraordinary art.
Meantime; Happy Easter to all those who observe. And let
the rest eat chocolates!
This cross was made for me by my favorite Aunt Gloria from her Palm Sunday palm leaf. It's going in the car... Thanks, Gloria!
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