Portrait of Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) c. 1630 - 1650

This is Anthony van Dyck’s oil on panel portrait of Peter Paul Rubens. The visible brushstrokes tell us a lot about van Dyck’s technique, and the status of painting at this time. Oil paint, with its capacity for layering and blending, allowed artists to create illusions of depth and texture. Van Dyck's loose, expressive brushwork adds a sense of vitality to the portrait. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness; it was about conveying Rubens's spirit, his energy, his very essence. Consider the time and labor involved in creating the pigments themselves. These colours weren’t easily obtained. The cost of production elevated the status of painting, and placed it firmly within the realm of high art, far removed from more functional creative practices. Van Dyck’s portrait reminds us that every artwork is the result of countless decisions and actions, each one contributing to its unique meaning and significance.