The Rubenshuis devotes a unique exhibition to Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and his portraits that he made of himself and his family. Although Rubens is said to have personally disliked painting portraits and though portraiture was not greatly esteemed nor highly regarded in art theory at the time, Rubens' portraits are nonetheless quality works.
His finest and most intimate portraits are undoubtedly those of his relatives: he immortalised both of his wives-Isabella Brant, who died young and the beautiful Helena Fourment-, his children, along with his sisters and brothers-in-law. And, of course, the master also indulged in self-portraits.
These works were not commissioned, but rather were personal labours of love. For the first time, these works are exhibited together in the place where they belong; namely, Rubens' former home in Antwerp.
The exhibition is curated by international Rubens experts and includes some 50 paintings and drawings from the collections of top-ranking museums, including the Uffizi in Florence, the British Museum in London, the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, as well as from the collections of the Prince of Liechtenstein and the Queen of England.
Exhibition Rubens in private. The Master portrays his family
March 28 2015 - June 28 2015
Rubenshuis, Wapper, Antwerp