Rubens in Belgium
2004 is the year for Peter Paul Rubens across Europe as Lille
and Genoa receive a helping hand
from Belgium as both cities celebrate their honor as joint European Union
Capitals of Culture.
Belgium wisely decided to join in the festivities and arranged their own
retrospective on the life of Rubens. Art lovers have the opportunity to view the
incredible art of this master painter and portraitist in exhibitions that bring
together his works in new and exciting displays.
Rubens, the Man
Born on the feast day of his namesakes the apostles Peter and Paul on the
28th of June in 1577 Rubens would apprentice with landscape artist Tobias
Verhaecht, figure artist Adam Van Noort and finally with the celebrated Otto van
Veen.
Rubens former home and workshop is open to the public, known as The Rubenshuis
and is the location of one of the highlights of the activities planned in
Belgium, Rubens as Collector from March 6 to June 13, 2004.
A House of Art: Rubens as Collector
Rubens artwork is the centerpiece of an unparalleled collection of noted
masters such as Antony van Dyck, Jan Bruegel, Paolo Veronese, Titian and
Tintoretto.
Follow in Ruben's footsteps
What better way to see the city of Antwerp than to walk as Rubens walked. The
city is filled with the man's influence for not only was he an artist but a book
illustrator, designer and diplomat. His many interests included literature, architecture
and history alongside his love of art.
The organizers have designed three specific walks, Rubens Open Door, Rubens
in Higher Spheres and Looking at Rubens to highlight the man and his life and of
course the city of Antwerp. Exercise the body as well as the mind while learning
more about the man and the city where he made his home.
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