The Virgin Adored by Saints 1577 - 1640

Peter Paul Reubens made this drawing, "The Virgin Adored by Saints," using pen and brown ink. It depicts the Virgin Mary and the infant Christ surrounded by saints. But instead of a final work, we see a preparatory study, a glimpse into the artist's process. Rubens was a leading figure in the Flemish Baroque, a style deeply intertwined with the Catholic Church's efforts to reaffirm its authority during the Counter-Reformation in the 17th century. Reubens received many commissions from Catholic patrons. But he was also a diplomat and intellectual who moved within the highest social circles. His art reflects the cultural values of his class and time. Studying Reubens’ drawings, alongside his commissioned work, offers insight into the institutional histories that shaped his work. By exploring the social context of his art, we can better understand its cultural significance. We can also trace its influence on subsequent generations of artists.