A Deep Dive into Peter Paul Rubens's Baroque Masterpieces: Exhibition Series

This series of three meetings delves into the works of Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens and the art of his era. Each session, held in different palace locations, explores specific paintings, historical contexts, and artistic themes, offering a deeper understanding of Rubens's oeuvre and the surrounding culture.

The "Meetings around Rubens's Works" series offered a deep dive into the artistic world of Peter Paul Rubens, one of the most prominent Baroque artists. Held in September and October 2017 across two key locations within the Royal Łazienki Museum – Pałac Myślewicki and Pałac na Wyspie – these events provided an engaging way to experience the artist's era and creativity. Each of the three sessions was curated to explore specific facets of Rubens's work, from portraits to mythological scenes, connecting them to the broader historical and cultural contexts. The first meeting, titled "Portrait of the Mantuan Duchess Margherita Gonzaga and her Noble Pearls," took place on September 16, 2017, in Pałac Myślewicki. It focused on Spanish and French Baroque fashion, contemporary customs, and the symbolism of pearls in art, using Rubens's "Portrait of Margherita Gonzaga" as a starting point. The discussion also extended to other portraits of the Gonzaga family and self-portraits of Rubens, drawing from works in the Royal Picture Gallery. The second meeting on October 7, 2017, in Pałac na Wyspie, was themed "Helena Fourment in Furs – The Ideal Wife and Model." It examined Adam Braun's portrait of Helena Fourment, a smaller copy of Rubens's "Het Pelsken," which depicts his second wife as a Baroque ideal of beauty. This session also sought other ideals of feminine beauty within the palace's collection and connected the appreciation of nature to the philosophical ideas of Justus Lipsius. The final session, "Medusa," "Dalida and Samson," "The Judgment of Paris" – Fatal Consequences of Love Infatuation in Rubens's Biblical and Mythological Works," held on October 14, 2017, in Pałac na Wyspie, explored themes of intrigue, revenge, and human emotions. Participants learned about the dynamics of Rubens's dramatic compositions, looked at "Head of Medusa," and discussed the psychological significance of the Medusa complex. The session also touched upon the works of Rubens's collaborators and students found in the Royal Picture Gallery.

Admission to these meetings was free, but advance reservations were required due to limited seating. Interested participants were directed to contact "[email protected]" for booking.