Rubens, Peter Paul. A distinguished Flemish painter. Born in Siegen, Westphalia, June 29, 1577. He went to Antwerp in 1608, and was soon after made court painter to the Archduke Albert, Spanish governor of the Low Countries. In 1621 Rubens was employed by the Princess Marie de'Medici to adorn the gallery of the Luxembourg with a series of paintings illustrative of the principal scenes of her life. While thus engaged, he became known to the Duke of Buckingham, who purchased his museum. He was afterwards employed by the Infanta Isabella and the king of Spain in some important negotiations which he executed with such credit as to be appointed secretary of the Privy Council. Rubens acquired immense wealth, and was twice married; the second time in 1630, to a girl of 16. Rubens, beyond all comparison, was the most rapid in execution of all the great masters, and was incontestably the greatest perfector of the mechanical part of his art. His works are very numerous, and very diversified in subject. "The Descent from the Cross" is perhaps his masterpiece. Rubens died in Antwerp, May 30, 1640.

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