Vision of Ezekiel 1608

Peter Paul Rubens' "Vision of Ezekiel," a red chalk drawing from 1608, depicts the biblical prophet Ezekiel's vision of a celestial chariot. The composition is a whirlwind of figures and animals, a testament to Rubens' masterful draftsmanship. In the center, Ezekiel, adorned with flowing robes, sits on a winged creature, its body a composite of a lion, a bull, an eagle, and a man. Surrounding him, cherubim, with their delicate wings and youthful forms, add to the dynamic energy of the scene, highlighting the divine and powerful nature of the vision. The drawing is a study for a larger painting, showcasing the artist's preparatory process and the grandiosity of his envisioned final piece.