Rubens at Palazzo Te. Painting, Transformation and Freedom
Peter Paul Rubens, a luminary of the Baroque era, stands as one of the most celebrated painters in the history of art, having left an indelible mark on the world of art through his masterful creations, elevating the art of painting to new heights of grandeur and emotional intensity. But how did Rubens develop a unique artistic language that combined elements of Italian Renaissance and Flemish traditions? Which influences shaped his distinctive vocabulary, blending Flemish and Italian styles seamlessly? From the 7th of October 2023, Palazzo Te in Mantua embarks on a profound exploration, delving into the intricate relationship between Giulio Romano’s oeuvre and its role as a source of inspiration for the distinguished Antwerp master.
The exhibition, structured around Palazzo Te’s layout, underscores the enduring impact of Rubens’ time in Mantua and Italy, as well as the legacy he passed on to his pupils. Selected works in the exhibition are chosen for their dialogue with the myths and interpretations found in Giulio Romano’s rooms. Moreover, there will not only be works by Rubens on display, but also by the Antwerp master Jacob Jordaens. His ceiling pieces on the love story of Amor and Psyche will be carefully installed in the exact arrangement the artist envisioned in his Antwerp residence. Within the context of Palazzo Te, these works are of particular importance because Jordaens created them, inspired by masterpieces by Rubens, who in turn was influenced by Romano.
Jacob Jordaens’ ceiling pieces from The Phoebus Foundation collection will be on display at Palazzo Te from the 7th of October 2023 to the 7th of February 2024.