Why Is Rubens Important?
The work of Peter Paul Rubens depicts exactly what the Baroque painting style is all about. From the action contained in his painting to the use of color, light, and movement, Rubens sets the stage for many other artists in the Baroque era. It is no coincidence that another great painter of the seventeenth century, Van Dyck, came from Rubens own studio in Antwerp. It is also significantly interesting to see the development of his work over the years. Rubens may not have been the child prodigy that his student Van Dyck turned out to be, but his potential and natural talent can be detected in his earliest works. As a painter who started out without any extraordinary qualities, his progress is subtly documented in his paintings until he is finally noted and recognized as one of the great pioneers of this new era of art. His versatility and great attention to detail not only makes him stand out as one of the best artists during his lifetime but also places him among some of the most famous artists of all time.