Rubens, Peter Paul

1577 – He was born on the 28th day of June this year in Siegen, Westphalia.

1589 - He and his mother returned to Antwerp, where he was baptized a Catholic.

1600 - He went to Italy, settling in Mantua where he worked as a court painter to the duke Vincenzo I of Gonzaga.

1603 - He studied ancient Roman art and learned by copying the works of the Italian masters. His mature style was profoundly influenced by Titian.

1604 - He worked as a diplomat in Spain, combining art and diplomacy as he would throughout his career.

1608 – He returned to Antwerp.

1610 - He moved into a new house and studio that he designed, which is now the Rubenshuis museum.

1616 - He is known for the frenetic energy and lusty ebullience of his paintings, as typified by the Hippopotamus Hunt.

1640 – He died on the 30th day of May this year.