‘Early Rubens’ Review: The Bedrock on Which to Build

THE WALLSTREET JOURNAL

By Mary Tompkins Lewis

Christ confront Jewish elders in Peter Paul Rubens' painting "The Tribute Money."

Not all great artists starve. The smashing success enjoyed by the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), who was also an entrepreneur, a diplomat and an intellectual, eclipsed that of any artist of his age. As argued, in "Early Rubens," a scholarly and illuminating exhibition of about 50 works curated by Kirk Nickel of the Fine Art Museums of San Francisco and Sasha Suda of the Art Gallery of Ontario, the painter's prosperity and lasting renown, though guided by favorable historical winds would rest. [More]
Legion of Honor Museum: Lincoln Park: "Early Rubens" (Through September 8, 2019); 100 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA; 415.750.3600; legionofhonor.famsf.org

Peter Paul Rubens, 'The Raising of the Cross,' ca. 1638. Oil on paper, later mounted on canvas, 28 3/8 x 52 1/4 in. (72.1 x 132.7 cm). Art Gallery of Ontario, Purchase, 1928. Photography by Craig Boyko, Art Gallery of Ontario