After his father's death, in 1587, his family moved back to Antwerp, where his family was originally from. There, Peter Paul received early training as a courtier (renaissance man) and as an artist. By the age of 21, he accomplished being a master painter who's artistic and religious view brought him to Italy to complete his education.
In 1600, Peter Paul traveled to Venice to finish his education . While in school, he became enthrawled with the bright colors and magical forms of Titian. His great effects are apparent including the famous 21 painting cycle. Rubens produced "over 2,000 works" in his very own studio in Italy. His most well-known assistants were Anthony Van Dyck and Frans Snyders.
During the final ten years of his life, Rubens produced many portraits, scenes, and landscapes. Although he had recurring arthritis he was still a creative, well established artist during his last years. Rubens died in 1640, when gout reached his painting arm and then spread to his heart.
Peter Paul Rubens worked under many different painters before going to Italy in 1600. In Italy, he followed different styles that other painters used, until he developed his own. He was appointed to paint mystical, religious, and historical scenes that were often used in churches and palaces throughout Europe. Rubens' ability to paint soft female skintones and bright colors full of emotions made him the greatest Baroque painter north of the Alps.
