Self Portrait Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

Description of Peter Rubens’ painting "Self-Portrait"

The great Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens painted many paintings in which he used his own self-portrait. No other painter had done so many of his own images before him.

Unlike the portraits he painted of other people, made in the so-called baroque style - in opulent rich clothes with heavy expensive accessories, Rubens’ own self-portraits are more like everyday images. These portraits evoke associations with photographs taken by someone at home, during the course of ordinary activities. There is, however, not an ounce of narcissism, or an exaggeration of any existing or imagined virtues.

In the picture we see a man who is not yet old, wearing a dark black and brown blouse with a starched collar and a wide-brimmed hat of a close shade. The white stain of the collar shades the red of his beard. The hat is devoid of any adornments such as feathers and embroidery.

The background of the painting, as well as the man’s clothes, is characterized by simplicity and muted colors. His fair hair is almost hidden under his headdress, his face is framed by a delicate little beard, and his mustache is tamed by the hairdresser. A thinker’s high forehead, an elongated nose of noble shape, a healthy blush on his cheeks. The man looks at the viewer with clear dark brown eyes that read intelligence, education, and vigor.

This is no unfounded statement, as Rubens was a very controversial person. He was interested in science and philosophy, corresponded with many scientists of the time, as well as engaged in diplomatic activity.

Drawing portraits of kings and nobles of various countries, Rubens negotiated secretly and not so secretly, and was involved in politics. He was the unofficial confidant of the Infanta Isabella. And for all that, he had time to paint - and painted about 1,000 paintings.