Peter Paul Rubens died on 30 May 1640 in Antwerp, aged 62. A Flemish painter, Rubens was the leading artist of the Baroque in northern Europe. He trained in Antwerp, spent years in Italy and then ran a large workshop in his home city, producing altarpieces such as the Descent from the Cross, mythological scenes and portraits, as well as designs for tapestries and book illustrations. His style is known for dynamic movement, rich colour and full-bodied figures. He also worked as a diplomat for the Spanish Habsburg governors of the Netherlands, and was knighted by both Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England. His cycle for Marie de' Medici hangs in the Louvre.
Before and after
- 1640Founding of Haverhill
- 1640Founding of Malden
- 1640Founding of Woburn
- 26 March 1640Founding of University of Helsinki
- 30 May 1640Death of Peter Paul Rubens
- from 7 June 1640 to 13 October 1659Reapers' War
- from 1 December 1640 to 13 February 1668Portuguese Restoration War
- 1642The Night Watch
- from 1642 to 1646First English Civil War
More in Wars, politics & history
- from 1524 to 1525German Peasants' War
- from 1618 to 1648Thirty Years' War
- from 1652 to 1784Anglo-Dutch Wars
- 1689Bill of Rights 1689
- 30 April 1707Acts of Union 1707
- 30 August 1721Treaty of Nystad
The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 17th century.