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Painting:
The Education of the Princess, 1622-1625
Painter:
Peter Paul Rubens
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About The Artist - Peter Paul
Rubens (June 28, 1577 - May 30, 1640) |
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Peter Paul Rubens, a prolific 17th century
Flemish and European painter, was the promoter of the
high-spirited Baroque style that accentuated fluidity
of movement, color, and sensuality. |
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About
The Painting - The Education of the Princess |
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Rubens is one
of the most prolific painters of the 17th
century and is long-familiar for his Counter-Reformation
altarpieces, landscapes, portraits, and historical paintings
depicting mythological and allegorical stories. |
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One of Rubens'
most famous works is a series of 24 paintings, also
referred to as Marie de' Medici Cycle, which was commissioned
by Queen Maria de' Medici, wife of King Henry IV of
France for her Luxembourg Palace in Paris. After having
received the commission in autumn of 1621, Rubens began
work in 1622 and agreed to complete the work within
two years. 21 of the paintings illustrate Marie's struggles
and triumphs in life, while the remaining 3 are 1 each
of Marie's portrait and her parents. |
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The Education
of the Princess is a picture depicting a growing Marie
at study. The elements of divine grace are added by
the presence of three Gods: Athena (wisdom), Apollo
(art), and Hermes (messenger God for understanding and
fluency of languages). Rubens' has painted a dramatic
entrance for Hermes, and is shown to bring a gift, from
the Gods - the Caduceus. Caduceus is assumed to endow
the princess with eloquence as well as bring peace and
harmony in hr life. |
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Furthermore, the
painting can be interpreted as showing the combined
efforts of these 3 divine teachers in preparing Marie
for the responsibilities she would have to undertake
in the future, as well as the trials and tribulations
she is likely to experience as Queen. |
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The Education
of the princess is true to the Baroque art style and
displays with aplomb the alliance of the spiritual and
earthly relations in a dramatic environment. These 3
Gods are more than just figures and are shown as taking
active interest in the princess's education. The 3 graces,
Euphrosyne, Aglaea, and Thaliya are also shown imparting
beauty to Queen Marie de' Medici. |
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