Peter Paul Rubens

Rubens grew up in Antwerp and spent 1600–1608 in Italy studying Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio. Back home he became court painter to Archduke Albert and Archduchess Isabella, rulers of the Southern Netherlands, and ran a vast workshop.

His paintings, full of movement, ample figures and glowing colour, epitomise Baroque art. He was also a diplomat who helped negotiate peace between Charles I of England and Philip IV of Spain, and both kings knighted him.