Titelprent met portret van Peter Paul Rubens omringd door allegorische figuren 1724

Bernard Baron created this print of Peter Paul Rubens surrounded by allegorical figures sometime in the first half of the 18th century, when he was working in London. Baron was born in France and trained as an engraver in Paris before relocating to London. This print demonstrates the cosmopolitan artistic networks that developed in Europe at this time, and the way institutions such as academies helped to codify artistic reputations. The allegorical figures in the image are visual devices for establishing Rubens’s greatness as a painter. The figure of ‘painting’ stands next to his portrait, holding a spear and palette as a putto embraces her leg. A winged figure holds open the curtain as if to unveil Rubens to the world. It’s a complex image full of classical references intended to elevate Rubens’s status. As historians, we might consider the way reputation is manufactured through images such as this one. In understanding it, we can examine archival material and other prints to learn more about the artistic cultures of London and Paris at this time.