Peter Paul Rubens
1577-1640 · Flemish (Siegen/Antwerp) · Baroque
Known for: Master of voluptuous Baroque painting who ran the largest studio in Europe and doubled as a diplomat
Rubens was the most successful artist of the Baroque era - a handsome, multilingual courtier who ran Europe's largest painting studio, produced over 1,400 works, and moonlighted as a diplomat who brokered peace between Spain and England.
He rose at 4 AM daily, had someone read classical texts while he painted, and managed his workshop like a business empire. He married twice, both times happily. His voluptuous paintings defined Baroque grandeur and gave the English language the word 'Rubenesque.'
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.