Peter Paul Rubens Baroque Allegorical Portrait Paintings

 Peter Paul Rubens Baroque Allegorical Portrait Paintings

In the old days, the kings and queens where going for that whole divine rule thing. Thus, they had paintings of themselves next to Greek Gods or Jesus. In this painting, the king on the far left side of the boat, is next to a human and a God. The boat is being rolled by seas nymphs. In the sky, we see two of his lucky stars and an apocalypse trumpet angel. This guy has a pretty high opinion of himself. He is the captain of his French ship. In any case, Rubens deserves 5 stars rating.

As is  typical of all monarchs, they imagine that the Gods glorify their birth. This painting celebrates the birth of Luis XIII. The maiden in red is the King's mother. The maiden in golden is Persephone, the Goddess of Spring. Behind her we see Hera and the Arch Angel Micheal. On the sky, we see the rising sun of Apollo. The snake guy holding the Baby is the God of Health. The doggie is just for fun. In any case, this painting deserves 5 stars rating.

As it was common, when a monarch asked for a painting, he usually ordered more than one. Rubens, by this time, was infamous for his painting series. This one also relates to the life of Maria de Medici. Here the Queen is making peace with her son. I do not see the kid. Rather, several deities are defeating discord as personified by a chimera. The Queen herself has in her hand the Caduceus. She is soaring to the sky to see her son. In any case, this lovely baroque portrait deserves 5 stars rating.

Part of the usual showcase of state portraits, involves showing off one's massive kingdom. Here a cherub boy is holding up the glove of the world for Emperor Charles. By now, the round world theory was well accepted. An interesting detail is the battle clothing of the king. It implies the age old desire of kings to expand their empires. This is only the beginning of his massive Empire. In any case, Rubens gets 5 stars rating for this Kingly painting.

Apotheosis means becoming a God. That Henry the VI was really quite the arrogant King. Oh, yeah, Don't forget! Kings and Queens always got a final say in the product of this painting. Well, the King is on the far left. He sports a Roman armor. Like Hercules, he is being taken to heaven after death. Maria de Medici is on the far right. The funny thing is that the Queen was quite happy to see the King die. However, to mask her joy, she ordered Rubens to make this painting for the honor of her husband. Yeah, her king was inferior to her. The Medici had enough money to look down on all European monarchs. They only married for the royal bloodline not for money. You know, to spice up their pedigree. Anyhow, this fancy painting gets 5 stars rating.

This is kinda like a ceiling painting. When one King makes an Apotheosis painting, others desire one. Here James I, got his own Apotheosis painting made by Rubens. The monarch is hanging out with the Olympians. Pretty cool. 5 stars rating for Peter Paul Rubens.

Well, this painting shows the classical education of the Queen. The Graces are teaching her manners. The guy with the violin is teaching her music. The maiden next to the Queen (the Girl in pink) is Athena. She is teaching the Queen law. Above the Queen is Hermes. He is teaching her about life and death. By the floor we see the bust of Plato and a Medusa shield. We also see a lyre and some paint brushes. I think these are all the educational items. This about summarizes the best education available of the Baroque period. In any case, Rubens deserves 5 stars rating for this lovely painting.

Both Greek Maidens represent their respective countries. The monarchies used to make a big deal of trading maidens. A chaste maiden represents an honorable royal line. Thus, the cherubs, the oceans and the angels are celebrating this epic event. Frankly, this was no big deal. However, Rubens was asked by the Medici Queen to make her life look interesting. Ah, the vanity of the old European monarchy. 5 stars.

Well, Bellona is the chick personification of France. Here the Queen is made to Embody France. Plus, her form is similar to the Goddess of Justice. She has the icons of the Goddess. She is also being be crowned by some cherubs. In the floor, we see weapons of war. I think that is everything worth mentioning about this little painting. 5 stars for Rubens.

In this painting, we see Maria de Medicci's crowning ceremony. This French Queen is being crowned by the church. Above her, some angels are showering her with gifts. The rest of the guys are just nobles and 2 of her dogs. The irony is that the dogs and the nobles have the same status in the eyes of the monarchs. Back then, both where fun little loyal, royal pets. Nothing too far out there. In any case, this lovely painting gets 5 stars rating.

The Garden of love is about the fashion of the day. Here we see very stylish couples. Here Rubens is introducing his new wife to his society. Before him and on the far right, we see two couples. The one in the floor represents the early stages of love. You know, the lovy dovy teenage stage. On the far right, we already see an established couple. They are poised and proper in their manners. In the center, we see the three Graces. One is  chaste, the other mature and the other is enraptured. The scenery is a Greek Temple of the 3 Graces. On the top right, we see a Venus fountain. The Water comes from her chest. All around, we see Cupids throwing arrows. Others bring the torch of fame and the laurel of Victory. This Garden is a glorification of married love life. In any case, this lovely painting deserves 5 stars rating.

Even before the Medici Queen was born, the Gods had Great plans for her. Her fate is being guided by the Olympians. Pretty arrogant beginning if you ask me. 5 stars.

This painting celebrates the Queen's Happiness. She is really enjoying ruling without her King. Well, back then guys where no fun at all. Any monarch of her ranking, would have loved to rule solo. Thus, all around her we see celebrating deities. 5 stars for Peter Paul Rubens.

Well, the Queen has arrived to France. All the forces of Nature are celebrating. She is being greeted by France. Above her, an apocalypse trumpet angel is announcing to the Christian kingdom of her arrival. The Water Nymphs are simply decorations. Rubens insisted that they be part of the painting. He said it would keep the noblemen interested in the painting. hehehe... 5 stars for this lovely Baroque painting.

Interesting enough ,the King and the Queen are in town. Above the sky, we only see Zeus and his wife Hera. I already explained the carriage in an earlier Rubens blog. The general scenery is pretty neat. 5 stars rating.

Well, you know Dukes donated a lot of money to the church. The patrons that donated enough got their own paintings hung in a Church. Here we see the Duke and the Duchess adoring the mantle of the Trinity. Its pretty cool how the angels are holding up the mantle. The dress of the both nobles are pretty cute. 5 star worthy. 

Here is the only armed conflict of this Queen. It was no big deal. Just quelling a small rebellion. Remember, that this Queen had a very boring life. To make herself cooler, she asked Rubens to make this an equestrian painting. Thus, she is ridding a white horse, while wearing the robes of France. The angel and lion make cute decorations. 5 stars. I hope that you liked these lovely paintings.