Rubens, Peter Paul

roo'benz, Peter Paul (1577-1640), a celebrated Flemish painter. He studied in Mantua, Naples, and Rome. He did his best work at Antwerp. His greatest work, the Descent from the Cross, is in the Cathedral of Antwerp. Ninety-five of Rubens' paintings are at Munich. His Last Judgment depicts Christ with a more merciful face than that of the Christ of Michelangelo. Among those who join the company of the blessed is a poor, rejoicing negro, showing that Rubens was ahead of his time. He employed many students as assistants. He finished 1,800 paintings. He lies buried in the Cathedral of Antwerp. His collection of engravings, books, and art treasures sold for over $100,000.