Modern map of the Low Countries and France

Modern map of the Low Countries and France

Northern Netherlands Southern Netherlands The Netherlands Belgium Holland Flanders Dutch Flemish Independent republic Ruled by Kingdom of Spain Protestant (Calvinist) Catholic Society dominated by middle class: Society dominated by upper class (aristocracy):

Peter Paul Rubens (1577 -1640) When Rubens painted this self-portrait, he bore the title Knight Secretary to His Majesty’s Privy Council and Gentleman of the Household of Her Serene Highness Princess Isabella. He had also been knighted by King Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England. To this day, the English refer to him as Sir Peter Paul Rubens. During a sojourn in England he also received an honorary degree from Cambridge University. Self-Portrait (in his early 60 s) c. 1638 -40

Rubens, Triptych of the Raising of the Cross, 1610 -11 Note: The elevation and display of of Christ’s body relates to the controversial doctrine of “real presence. ” Central panel of triptych (about 15 feet high)

Raphael, Galatea, c. 1513 Rubens, Raising of the Cross, 1610 -11 Principles of design reflect those of the Italian High Renaissance.

Laocoön (pronounced “Lay-ockoh-on”)—a famous classical statue Detail of Raising of the Cross Rubens was also much influenced by classical sculpture.

Rembrandt, Blinding of Samson, 1636 Rubens, Raising of the Cross, 1610 -11 RUBENS vs. REMBRANDT

Detail of Rembrandt’s Blinding of Samson Detail of Raising of the Cross RUBENS vs. REMBRANDT

Rape (or Abduction) of the Daughters of Leucippus, c. 1620 Raising of the Cross, 1610 -11

Rubens, Daughters of Leucippus, c. 1620 Bernini, Apollo & Daphne, 1622 -23

Daughters of Leucippus Bernini, Ecstasy of St. Teresa

Modern map of France showing its historical regions, including the Lorraine, home of Georges de la Tour Modern map of France

Georges de la Tour, Joseph the Carpenter, c. 1642 Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith, c. 1625

Detail: the young Christ holding a candle

Nicolas Poussin, Rape (or Abduction) of the Sabine Women, c. 1633 -34

Classical statue (Gaul killing his wife) Poussin often borrowed figures from well-known classical statues, as seen here.

Abduction of Sabine Women Detail: the stages of human life

Baroque art expressing powerful emotions through exaggerated gestures and facial expressions

Poussin, The Judgment of Solomon, 1649

Poussin, Judgment of Solomon Detail: the true mother

Poussin, Judgment of Solomon Detail: the mother of the dead child

Poussin, Judgment of Solomon Detail: the “chorus”

Detail Pierre-Paul Puget, Milo of Crotona, 1671 -82

Puget, Milo of Crotona, 1671 -82 Bernini, David, 1623

Puget, Milo of Crotona Laocoön

Detail Puget, Milo of Crotona