Portraits (1630s)
by Peter Paul RUBENS

Important stylistic changes in Rubens's work after his long stay in Madrid and London between 1628 and 1630 can be seen in the portraits he painted during the last ten years of his life. His renewed interest in Titian is first noticeable in his changing technique, particularly in the soft flowing tonality and freer touch. But he also clearly adopts Titian's schemes for portraiture, especially when painting aristocrats or political figures. Also from the 1630s date the most intimate portraits Rubens ever painted, notably the fine series of members of his own family. The many pictures of his second wife, Helena Fourment - whom he married in 1630 - either alone or with himself or one or more of their children, are particularly moving.

Preview Picture Data File Info Comment
Self-Portrait
1628-30
Oil on canvas
Rubens House, Antwerp

687*980
True Color
72 Kb



Deborah Kip and her Children
1629-30
Oil on canvas
National Gallery of Art, Washington

700*660
True Color
126 Kb



Four Studies of the Head of a Negro
-
Oil on canvas transferred from wood, 51 x 66 cm
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels

1067*800
True Color
188 Kb



Head of a Franciscan Friar
1615-17
Oil on canvas transferred from wood, 52 x 44 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

796*959
True Color
54 Kb



Portrait of Helene Fourment
c. 1630
Oil on canvas
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels

673*950
True Color
95 Kb



Helene Fourment
1630-32
Oil on canvas, 97 x 69 cm
Alte Pinakothek, Munich

900*1232
True Color
111 Kb



The Fur ("Het Pelsken")
1630s
Oil on wood, 176 x 83 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

800*1670
True Color
92 Kb



The Cardinal Infante
c. 1634
Oil on canvas, 335 x 258 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

700*900
True Color
105 Kb



Helene Fourment with her Son Frans
1635
Oil on panel, 146 x 102 cm
Alte Pinakothek, Munich

950*1367
True Color
148 Kb



Helene Fourment with her Children, Clara, Johanna and Frans
1636-37
Oil on wood, 115 x 85 cm
Musée du Louvre, Paris

1000*1343
True Color
194 Kb



Rubens, Helena Fourment, and Their Son Frans
c. 1635
Oil on wood, 204 x 158 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

1485*1900
True Color
278 Kb



Helene Fourment with a Carriage
1639
Oil on canvas, 195 x 132 cm
Musée du Louvre, Paris

800*1185
True Color
130 Kb



Self-Portrait
1639
Oil on canvas, 109,5 x 85 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

706*920
True Color
89 Kb



Helene Fourment
1620s
Oil on panel, 96 x 76 cm
Mauritshuis, The Hague

1000*1297
True Color
176 Kb




Summary of works by Rubens
Religious themes
until 1616 | 1617-20 | 1620s | 1630s
Altarpieces in Antwerp Cathedral | Biblical scenes
Mythological themes
until 1614 | 1614-29 | 1630s
Large royal projects | Allegorical themes
Portraits
until 1629 | 1630s
Miscellaneous
Landscapes | Hunting and other themes
Graphic works | Architecture