Peter Paul Rubens Diana & Nymphs Hunting 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens Hercules & Cerberus 1636-37 Prado |
During the middle 1630s Peter Paul Rubens (and several assistants) took up residence in Madrid to work on a large series of mythological paintings with subjects derived from Ovid. These were intended to decorate a royal hunting lodge called the Torre de la Parada. Above are two cartoons quickly sketched by Rubens to define compositions. Skilled and trusted subordinates then painted highly finished copies of these designs.
Below, additional panels from the Torre de la Parada. These were produced by a more integrated method, partly painted by Rubens himself and partly by workshop assistants.
Peter Paul Rubens & workshop Fortune 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens & workshop Satyr 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens & workshop Abduction of Proserpine 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens & workshop Abduction of Hippodamia 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens & workshop Banquet of Tereus 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens & workshop Mercury & Argus 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens & workshop Orpheus & Eurydice 1636-37 Prado |
The final pair belong to the same cycle. These also hung in the Torre de la Parada, but are today regarded as exceptional because they were painted entirely by the hand of Rubens himself.
Peter Paul Rubens Abduction of Ganymede 1636-37 Prado |
Peter Paul Rubens Mercury 1636-37 Prado |