14. The Exchange of the Princesses at the Spanish Border 1625

"The Exchange of the Princesses at the Spanish Border" painted in 1625 by Peter Paul Rubens, depicts a historical event: the exchange of two princesses between Spain and England. The scene is set on a bridge with the two royal women shaking hands. The scene is framed by a dramatic red curtain above, with a chorus of cherubs at the very top, alluding to the divine sanction of this momentous occasion. The composition emphasizes the two princesses with a contrasting use of light and shadow, highlighting their central role. Rubens, a master of Baroque painting, creates a dynamic, theatrical atmosphere, emphasizing the significance of this diplomatic exchange and the power of the monarchs involved.