Woman 1628

Peter Paul Rubens made this drawing of a woman with chalk, sometime in the early 17th century. Rubens was a Flemish artist, who spent much of his career working for the Catholic Church and Royal families across Europe. As such, his art was very much embedded in the social structures of his time. He knew what imagery the elite wanted, and he provided it. Rubens' art is full of mythological and historical scenes, and known for its idealized, fleshy figures. In his time, such forms were associated with health, vitality, and prosperity, reflecting the values of the upper class. To understand the art of someone like Rubens better, we need to understand the social and economic realities in which he operated. This involves detailed archival work, and an understanding of the religious and political institutions of the 17th century.