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Rubens: A Double Life

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The author did a very good job portraying the life of Peter Paul Rubens from a young Flemish painter in search of a teacher, he struck out for Italy. He develops and refines a style that is a blend of the Northern and Southern European painting styles, Rubens had a head for business also, unlike many other artists of the time. He disdained the court intrigues and being captive to a powerful patron. Ruben's plan was very modern, he set up a palatial house in Antwerp to attract the best art students as apprentices. These apprentices would rough out paintings for Rubens to finish, greatly expanding his output. His house also became a place to entertain the wealthy customers, and as a locale for his art collection. As the most renowned and prodigious artist of his time, Rubens invested his wealth into a huge art collection. True to his business class ideal, in the midst of Europe's religious conflict, The Thirty Years War, his religion changed with convenience. Another side of Rubens is that because of his contacts and traveling he actually became involved in diplomatic intrigues carrying secret messages to the movers and shakers of the Thirty Years War, under the guise of painting their portraits. The author is to be commended on this text. She cites many sources especially about Rubens style and technique, besides herown opinion. The author includes insights into personal life gained mainly through his personal correspondence.