Artwork

Landscape with the Shipwreck of Paul

Landscape with the Shipwreck of Paul, by Peter Paul Rubens, oil, 1625
Landscape with the Shipwreck of Paul, by Peter Paul Rubens, oil, 1625

Landscape with the Shipwreck of Paul 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 Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Landscape with the Shipwreck of Paul is a 1625 oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish artist known for his work in multiple genres, including landscapes and history paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a biblical scene: the shipwreck of Paul the Apostle, set within a dramatic landscape. The turbulent sea and stormy sky create a sense of turmoil, while a figure on the shore observes the chaos.

Technique & Style

The work exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style, characterized by dramatic compositions and vivid color. Rubens's use of chiaroscuro creates depth and emphasizes the central figure of the shipwreck, while his handling of light and shadow heightens the overall tension.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, a prominent art museum.

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.

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