Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish born artist, who made a name for himself not only in the art world, but also through this diplomatic reign. Much of his work focused on religious figures, as well as diplomatic figures of the time, and he was known for the Baroque style, and bold European style of painting, which most of his works took shape around. Although he lived a short life, he had amassed many achievements by the time of his death. In addition to being one of the most talented artists in Europe, whose work outsold other artists at the time, he was also knighted, was hired for various commissions for diplomatic figures as well as church pieces, and even after his death, his fame continued to grow in the art world. Rubens was also well known for the Baroque movement, which emphasized movement, bold color choices, and sensuality in the works.
Peter Paul Rubens was one of the most celebrated and prolific artists in Europe during his lifetime as well as the entire Baroque era. His patrons included royalty and churches, and his art depicted subjects from religion, history and mythology. Known for such works as “Head of Medusa”, "The Descent from the Cross," "Peace and War," and "The Garden of Love," Rubens's style combined a knowledge of Renaissance classicism with lush brushwork and a lively realism. He died in 1640. The paintings before the year 1621 are called the early paintings of Peter Rubens, and the paintings after 1620 are called the late paintings of Peter Rubens.

In 1600, Rubens traveled to Italy, where he viewed the art of such Renaissance masters as Titian and Tintoretto in Venice, and Raphael and Michelangelo in Rome. He soon found an employer, Vincenzo I Gonzaga, duke of Mantua, who commissioned him to paint portraits and sponsored his travels. Rubens was sent by Vincenzo to Spain, to the city of Genoa in Italy, and then again to Rome. A gifted businessman as well as a highly talented artist, Rubens began to receive commissions to paint religious works for churches and portraits for private clients.

The main categories of the paintings of Peter Rubens are Mythological paintings, religious paintings, and portraits. He painted also some paintings in other categories, such as landscapes and altarpieces.