Art Lovers

The Honeysuckle Bower (c.1609). Old School: Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens showcases himself, his first wife, Isabella Brant, and as many fine clothes, lace collars, precious stones, rings, bracelets, etc., as he can work in. Rubens was very good at what he did, worked hard, built up a large, successful workshop with assistants for the bodies and clothing (generally, he always did the heads and faces), and enjoyed his family, friends, and the fruits of his labor. No starving in a garret for him. Peter and Isabella were a true love match, as holding their right hands together reinforces. Rubens was devastated when she died in 1625 of the Bubonic plague. Our contemporary, the talented Kehinde Wiley (coming later) respectfully gave one of his sons the middle name “Rubens.”