When you think of all of the Renaissance artists, who comes to your mind? You may consider Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo. I am positive that I, Peter Paul Rubens, am not on the top of your list. However, even though I am a lesser known figure, I play an important role in shaping the artistic views of our time. My childhood, trips around Europe and the inspiration from many famous artists shaped how I painted and created my great works. I was born on June 28, 1577, in Siegen, Westphalia. I had a rough childhood, due to my father's death when I was only ten years old. After my father's death, my mom, along with my two siblings and I, moved to Antwerp, Belgium. (Peter Paul Rubens, 1) I began to have a humanist education, studying Latin …show more content…
It is a triptych, which is “a picture or relief carving on three panels, typically hinged together side by side and used as an altarpiece.” I painted this work for the altar at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. It was finished in 1614, and can still be seen to this day. (List of Top 10 Paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, 1) Many people know the story of Samson and Delilah, so I did a rendition of it, painting it how I pictured the story unfolding. I painted this work for Nicolaas Rockox, and it took me about two years to finish, from 1609-1610. In the painting, you see Samson and Delilah, but I added some things that may be hard to catch. In the background, there is a Philistine soldier who is ready to capture Samson, and an old woman, who I used to represent what the future looks like for Delilah. (List of Top 10 Paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, 1) One of my personal favorite paintings of mine is Honeysuckle Bower. It is a portrait of myself and my first wife, Isabella. I painted it right after our marriage in 1609. I love this one in particular because of the emphasis I put on it. The flower honeysuckle represents love and deep compassion, and that is what I felt with Isabella. (List of Top 10 Paintings by Peter Paul Rubens,