After 200 years outside the country, Sotheby's unveiled a masterpiece by the venerated Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens on Tuesday in Brussels. 'Portrait of a Man (as the God Mars)' was done in the 1620s and encapsulates the Baroque master's power of expression and fascination with the classical world.
"To say we're excited to unveil this painting in Belgium is an understatement," said George Gordon, Co-Chairman of Sotheby’s Master Paintings Worldwide. "For us, it's a great honour to bring this wonderful painting by Rubens back to the land where he lived. When we realised this painting was coming to us it was a slam dunk to bring it here."
In January, Sotheby's received ten baroque paintings from the Fisch Davidson collection. From that collection in New York, Sotheby's had a "white glove sale" (meaning that 100% of the collection was sold) for just under $50 million.
An ageless work
Yet the Rubens masterpiece was not included in this sale; despite being baroque in its style and period the auction house decided that the work rises above its generic trappings and called for special attention. Not only the most influential artist of his time, Rubens has been revered by successive generations.
'Portrait of a Man' is considered a masterpiece because it is incredibly detailed. "It's confident and powerful and transcends the texture extremely well," Gordon explains and highlights the artist's trademarks, such as painting men in armour.
Credit: Sotheby's
Though born in Germany, Rubens moved to Antwerp in 1608 when his mother fell ill. It was here that he opened his own studio and produced several renowned works, as well as mentored other painters including Anthony Van Dyck.
"He was a great ambassador and a great scholar. His work is emblematic of the 17th century renaissance in Flanders," said Gordon.
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Gordon highlights the outpouring of artistry: "Rubens rejoices in the use of colour and the thickness of paint. You can see that painting was a pleasure for him."
Calling attention to the subject's powerful arm that contrasts with a soft face more human than godly, Apostle describes the subject as "benign, calm, and approachable". Those fortunate enough to view the piece up close will take note of the liberal application of paint and the depth of the brushstrokes.
In real life
For a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the painting, it will be on display to the general public on Wednesday 22 February from 10:00 to 17:00 at the Sotheby's auction house at 251 Avenue Louise, Brussels.
The painting shows little sign of wear from the 400 years since it was completed. It was first sold in Amsterdam in 1827, then again in England in 1830. It remained in the Rothschild family for the following 70 years. The portrait will be offered in Sotheby's Modern Evening Sale in New York this May. Sotheby's is a world premier art and luxury auction house founded in London in 1744.
