Important People in Rubens’ Life

Jan Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens father, a Catholic converted to Calvinist, a prominent lawyer and an Antwerp alderman. Fled Flanders in 1568 to avoid religious persecution. Legal advisor and lover of Princess Anna of Saxony, the wife of William I of Orange, Jan was later imprisoned for the affair. Died in 1587.

Maria Pypelincks

Peter Paul Rubens mother. Moved her son to Antwerp after his father’s death and raised him Catholic which greatly influenced his painting.

Tobias Verhaeght

A painter, primarily of landscapes, and draughtsman in Antwerp. A relative of Rubens’ by marriage, at age 14 Rubens began his first artistic apprenticeship with Verhaeght.

Adam van Noort 

A highly respected Dutch artisit and master of many painters. Dean of the Guild of St. Luke from 1597-1602. Rubens’ served his second art apprenticeship under Noort for four years.

Otto van Veen (Venius) 

A distinguished Latin scholar and humanist artist. Rubens’ served his third art apprenticeship under Venius. He influenced Rubens to go to Italy to study the art.

Isabella Brandt 

Rubens’ first wife of 17 years. Daughter of Jan Brandt, a leading Antwerp citizen and humanist. Brandt bore Rubens three children, Clara Serena, Albert, and Nicolas.

Helene Fourment 

Rubens’ second wife, married at the age of 16. Fourment modeled for many of Rubens’ paintings and bore five children among them, Clara Johanna, and Isabella Helena.

Vincenzo Gonzaga 

Duke of Mantua from 1587-1612. Recognized Rubens’ art genius and brought him into the court of Mantua.