Rubens' Other Works

Though Rubens is best known for his paintings he was not limited to this medium alone. He had a variety of other works that helped gain him international fame.

Rubens was commissioned by King Louis XIII of France to design a series of tapestries called History of Constantine the Great. Years later the Infanta Isabella of Portugal had Rubens design the tapestry cycle, Triumph of the Eucharist. He also designed a series of tapestries featuring the Greek hero Achilles.

In exchange for books, Rubens agreed to design and illustrate title pages for his close friend, Balthasar Moretus, owner of the publishing house, Plantin-Moretus.

Rubens was also responsible for the decorations of the Joyous Entry into Antwerp by the Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand in 1635. This was a ceremonial entry into the city as the first peaceable visit by the governor which doubtlessly granted Antwerp more privileges.

Though Rubens never actually acted as a sculptor he did create designs for sculptures including the façade and tower on the front elevation of the Antwerp Jesuit church, now known as St. Charles Borromeo. Many believe that Rubens assisted with the Baroque architectural designs for the church as well.

In 1610, at the age of 33, Rubens designed his own house and studio. The lavishly decorated house is still standing and is currently the Rubenshuis Museum. It is a villa with Italian influenced design, a Renaissance garden, and an impressive entrance in the center of Antwerp. This housed Rubens’ studio where he and his apprentices created most of the impressive works.