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Peter Paul Rubens
(1577–1640)
A Portrait of a Carmelite Prior
Antwerp, about 1616
Oil on wood
A man dressed in the austere habit of the Carmelite order prays in front of a crucifix. The order was dedicated to contemplative prayer. The man’s identity is not known, but his rapt gaze and the sympathetic treatment of his hands suggest a sincere and deep faith.
The portrait may date from 1616 when the great Flemish artist Rubens was painting a large altarpiece for a Carmelite church in Brussels. The artist himself was devout and he painted a number of portraits of ecclesiastics.
Purchased 1999 with contributions from the National Art Collections Fund and the Friends of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts (No. 99.1)
Peter Paul Rubens
(1577–1640)
A Landscape in Flanders
Mechelen, near Antwerp, about 1635/40
Oil on wood
This slightly elevated view shows the countryside around Het Steen, the castle that Rubens bought in 1635. Here he painted landscapes for his own pleasure, away from the demands of wealthy and powerful patrons. In this case, he painted over a figure subject which shows through to the right by the shepherd.
The artist did not go in search of a landscape full of picturesque incident. The flat local countryside enlivened with effects of light and atmosphere is enough to create a dynamic image. A shower has passed by and the sun breaks though the wind-swept cloud, casting a multitude of lights and shades below.
Purchased 1940 (No. 40.11)