Peter Paul Rubens

Portrait of Michael Ophovius (1570-1637)

252 voorzijde
252 achterzijde
252 ingelijst
252 voorzijde
252 voorzijde

Peter Paul Rubens
Portrait of Michael Ophovius (1570-1637)

On view in Room 16

The black and white habit worn by this man tells us that he is a Dominican monk. He is Michael Ophovius, who from 1608 was Prior of St. Paul’s monastery in Antwerp. Rubens painted the Prior with outstretched hand and parted lips, as if he were debating or delivering a sermon. Ophovius’s sympathies lay with the Spanish, a position that would cost him dear. He was locked up in the Prison Gate here in The Hague for almost two years.

Rubens was the leading Flemish painter of the seventeenth century. With his flamboyant, baroque style, he influenced an entire generation of artists that came after him.

Technical details

More about Peter Paul Rubens

Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens was one of the most multitalented and important painters of his time. His skilfully made, colourful paintings became famous all over Europe. All the royal courts of Europe ordered work from him. His huge paintings often looked so real that people were overpowered or even shocked by them. Rubens made history paintings, landscapes, hunt paintings and portraits. He also designed sculptures, title pages for books and tapestries.

Peter Paul Rubens Oude Vrouw En Jongen Met Kaarsen Museum Mauritshuis Den Haag MH1150 965X757
252 voorzijde

Peter Paul Rubens
Portrait of Michael Ophovius (1570-1637)

On view in Room 16

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Details

General information
Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577 - 1640 Antwerp)
Portrait of Michael Ophovius (1570-1637)
painting
252
Room 16
Material and technical details
oil
canvas
111.5 x 82.5 cm

Provenance

Dominican monastery, Antwerp, c.1615/1617-c.1795; J.F. de Vinck van Wesel, Antwerp, 1813; Henricus-Josephus, Baron Stier van Aertselaer, Antwerp, 1814-1822; acquired by King William I for the Mauritshuis, 1822