The artwork “Selfportrait with brother Philipp, Justus Lipsius and another scholar” is an oil on board painting completed in 1611 by Peter Paul Rubens. This seminal work, measuring 167 x 143 cm, is a testament to Rubens’ mastery during the Baroque period. The piece falls within the genre of self-portraiture, and it features the notable inclusion of Rubens’ brother alongside prominent scholars of the time.
The artwork presents a scene where four figures are engaged in a moment of intellectual exchange. Rubens, who is presumably one of the figures, is placed within the composition alongside his brother Philipp, the renowned Neo-Stoic philosopher Justus Lipsius, and another scholar whose identity is not specified. They are surrounded by an array of books, demonstrating the scholarly nature of the encounter.
The figures are captured with a rich sense of depth and detail, typical of Rubens’ Baroque style, which is characterized by dramatic contrast, vivid color, and dynamic movement. A sense of immediacy and grandeur pervades the scene, as the artist uses light to highlight the intricate details of the figures’ faces and their luxurious garments.
Notable is the bust of a bearded man that adorns the background, adding to the learned atmosphere of the composition. The draped red fabric further casts a sense of opulence and depth, contrasting with the dark, atmospheric quality of the surrounding space. The background glimpses a landscape under a tumultuous sky, offering a visual break from the interior setting and suggesting the far-reaching implications of their intellectual undertakings.
Rubens has captured a moment that bridges the personal with the scholarly, allowing the viewer to witness a private encounter among individuals who have made considerable contributions to their respective fields. The artwork is a sophisticated expression of intellectual camaraderie during the early 17th century, reflecting the era’s rich cultural and philosophical pursuits.
