Flemish Kermis

The accomplished artist is known for his ethereal artistry in canvas painting, monumental art and tapestry. Through dynamic impressionism, he was bold in his Baroque style, painting true, lively, realistic impressions playing with the influence of the landscape and mixing it with mythological impressions.

His style was somewhat shaped by his religious inclination towards Roman Catholicism which shaped his childhood and his adult life thereafter. During his visit to Italy’s capital, he aptly adapted the painting style of Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese.

Paul Rubens himself was mentored by the pantheon of great artists including the modest protegees; Tobias Verhaecht, Adam Van Noort and Otto van Veen. He was also inspired by the timeless great artists Caravaggio, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

He worked in collaboration with Frans Snyders, an animal painter and Jan Bruegel versed in landscaping flowers. He engaged a couple of apprentices and different artists in his art studio conveying the intricate pieces of work. He has had the best experience with other artists who really impacted a lot in his job. His job is unique. Through passion and practice he has come out as the best artist.

Peter has a stockpile of successful art paintings adored by the aristocracy of that time, passed down centuries later. He had a hand in the magnificent, decent Flemish style paintings including aristocratic portraits and hagiographic paintings of the church. The list is endless but it includes:

• Assumption of the Virgin(1624-1627). It beautifies the altar of a cathedral at Antwerp
• Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus (1617). The painting decorates the Alte Pinakothek Museum
• Portrait of Anne of Austria(1621-25). The beautiful portrait lies in the Parisian Louvre Museum
• Venus and Adonis(1630) The piece was inspired by his wife Helen. It is currently found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• The Flemish Kermis(1635-1638). Also known as the Village Fete is painted out on a natural landscape in mild shades and bright tones

Just as the name suggests, the painter illustrates village members clustered in groups. They seem to be engaged in light chatter, small brawls between others and disgruntled masses. The detailed painting is emphasized by the rich aesthetic yet natural hues bringing out a real and accurate description. The mood of the painting is depicted with accuracy and richness, the snail-paced, grouchy village life.

The familiarity coupled with the meticulousness makes it one of his most popular paintings recognized. His bold impressionistic style inspired Rubenian disciples; the apprentices thoroughly inspired by Bartolome Esteban Murillo, Jacob Jordaens van Dyck and Diego Velazquez who aptly walked in his footsteps.