The Moorish King c. 1618

"The Moorish King," painted by Peter Paul Rubens around 1618, depicts a man in traditional Moorish attire, wearing a white turban and holding a golden chalice. The painting is a prime example of Rubens' mastery of portraiture and his interest in depicting individuals from diverse cultures. The subject's gaze is direct and intense, while his posture conveys both authority and a sense of quiet contemplation. Rubens' use of rich colors and dramatic lighting creates a compelling and lifelike image, typical of his style, which influenced generations of artists.