Artwork

Coronation of Maria

Coronation of Maria, by Peter Paul Rubens, oil, 1625
Coronation of Maria, by Peter Paul Rubens, oil, 1625

Coronation of Maria is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1625 and is held in the collection of the Bode Museum.

About this work

Overview

Coronation of Maria, painted in 1625 by Peter Paul Rubens, is a Flemish Baroque religious painting. Characterized by its serene and reverent depiction of the Coronation of the Virgin, the work showcases Rubens's mastery of movement, color, and expressive depth, aligning with Counter-Reformation artistic ideals.

Subject & Meaning

The painting centers on the Coronation of the Virgin, a recurring theme in Rubens's religious oeuvre. The composition conveys serenity and dignity, emphasizing the sacred nature of the event through the central figure's calm demeanor and the reverent poses of surrounding angels or saints.

Technique & Style

Rubens employed chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, while impasto added tactile texture. The soft, cloudy gray background contrasts with the vibrant, centrally placed figure, drawing the viewer's focus inward. The circular arrangement of figures around the Virgin enhances the sense of dynamic movement within a serene atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1625, Coronation of Maria is part of Rubens's extensive body of work that included altarpieces, portraits, and mythological themes. The painting is currently housed in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Context

As a leading figure of the Flemish Baroque, Rubens's work, including Coronation of Maria, responded to Counter-Reformation values by revitalizing religious themes with emotional intensity and classical influences.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of Coronation of Maria are not highlighted, as a work by Rubens, it contributes to his broader influence on European Baroque art, notable for its expressive and dynamic interpretation of religious subjects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Peter Paul Rubens

Artist

Peter Paul Rubens

Sir Peter Paul Rubens ( ROO-bənz; Dutch: ; 28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish artist and diplomat.

Bode Museum

Museum

Bode Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Bode Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.