Abraham et Melchisédech

1600

Entering the Service of the Duke of Mantua

Almost immediately upon arriving in Italy, the 23-year-old Rubens was presented in Venice to Duke Vincenzo I Gonzaga and entered the service of the Mantuan court, gaining a patron, a salary, and high standing.

5 March 1603

Diplomatic Mission to Spain

On behalf of Duke Gonzaga, Rubens traveled to Spain to deliver gifts to King Philip III; the paintings were damaged by rainstorms en route, and the artist restored them himself in Valladolid. This was the first of his journeys combining art and diplomacy.

28 October 1608

Departure from Italy Forever

Having finished the commission for the Oratorians, Rubens left Rome without permission on 28 October 1608, hurrying to his ailing mother; despite promises to return to Mantua, he never went back to Italy.

3 October 1609

Married: Isabella Brant

9 January 1610

Court Painter to the Archducal Couple

After being presented at court in August 1609, Rubens received his patent as court painter to Archduke Albert and the Infanta Isabella; at the same time he secured the right to remain working in Antwerp rather than Brussels, and to be paid a fee for each painting.

1621

Marie de' Medici's Commission for the Luxembourg Palace Cycles

The Queen Mother of France, Marie de' Medici, commissioned from Rubens two large allegorical cycles for the Luxembourg Palace — one on her own life and one on the life of the late Henry IV; the second series was never completed.