Peter Paul Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) was a Flemish Baroque painter born in Siegen, in present-day Germany, who established his career in Antwerp. Between 1600 and 1608, he worked in Italy, where he studied the paintings of artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Titian. He became court painter to Archduke Albert and Archduchess Isabella and directed one of Europe's most important workshops, employing numerous assistants. He was renowned for his religious, mythological, and historical paintings, characterized by dynamic movement, rich colors, and expressive figures. He also served as a diplomat for several European courts.