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The cover of this issue is a detail from a self-portrait by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), accompanied by his wife Isabella Brandt.
The painting dates from 1609, the year the artist married this 18-year-old girl, the daughter of a high-ranking official.
Rubens was 32 years old and had spent 18 intense years training as an artist all over Europe.
The couple are painted in the open air, next to a honeysuckle that symbolises their love, their hands joined in a sign of harmony and concordance.
In the foreground, both figures take up practically the entire scene and are illuminated by golden light reflecting off the rich fabrics.
The artist’s attention to detail is clear and reflects his excellent sketching ability.
The painting’s intense palette of colours is slightly dimmed by the fading light at dusk. |
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