{ "title": "Acquisition of an exceptional drawing and autograph letter by Rubens for the Rubenshuis ", "modified_at": "2026-05-18 15:52:45", "published_at": "2026-05-19 09:45:00", "url": "https://pers.rubenshuis.be/acquisition-of-an-exceptional-drawing-and-autograph-letter-by-rubens-for-the-rubenshuis", "short_url": "http://prez.ly/d7Gd", "culture": "en", "language": "EN", "slug": "acquisition-of-an-exceptional-drawing-and-autograph-letter-by-rubens-for-the-rubenshuis", "body": "

The King Baudouin Foundation has acquired an exceptional and rare work by Peter Paul Rubens, from September 1607, at the TEFAF Maastricht fine art fair, featuring a drawing and an autograph letter by the artist – an extremely rare combination. Rubens resided in Rome at the time.

The Rubenshuis can now add this extraordinary work by Flanders’ most famous artist to its collection thanks to a long-term loan from the King Baudouin Foundation. It will be on display from 19 May 2026 in the Rubens Experience, the interactive exhibition space that opened in the museum in 2024.

Rubens, a virtuoso draughtsman and advisor to the duke

On the front, Rubens captured three men in classical robes in a quick, spontaneous sketch. In all likelihood, these are studies of apostles. The drawing, with its loose, confident linework, bears a unique witness to his artistic process. He probably traced the jagged, thick ink lines at the top to test his quill pen.

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Peter Paul Rubens, Three men in classical robes (recto), Draft letter about a commission for a painting by Eleonora de’ Medici (verso), 1607, pen and brown ink on paper, 120 x 200 mm, Rubenshuis (long-term loan from the King Baudouin Foundation), recto.
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The overleaf features a draft letter in Italian by Rubens. The letter is addressed to another painter, Cristoforo Roncalli, also known as il Pomarancio. The letter sheds light on Rubens’s role as a mediator and advisor in the artistic networks of his time. He refers to Eleonora de’ Medici, the influential Duchess of Mantua and his and Roncalli’s patron. Rubens was employed as a court painter in Mantua from 1600 to 1608. \u200b

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Peter Paul Rubens, Three men in classical robes (recto), Draft letter about a commission for a painting by Eleonora de’ Medici (verso), 1607, pen and brown ink on paper, 120 x 200 mm, Rubenshuis (long-term loan from the King Baudouin Foundation), verso.
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Art historical importance and high heritage value

Autograph drawings and letters by Rubens are very scarce and rarely offered for sale. This work is all the more special because the sheet combines not one but two autograph expressions by the artist. Moreover, preserved documents from his Italian period (1600-1608), a crucial phase in Rubens’s artistic development, are very rare. The two sides of this sheet also fill a gap in our knowledge of Rubens’s artistic and diplomatic practice around 1607, when he was also employed as an art advisor in Rome.

The sheet provides an intimate insight into Rubens’s creative process, highlights his international networks, and recalls the important role of female art patrons, such as Eleonora de’ Medici, in 17th-century art production. \u200b

Strengthening Rubens heritage in Belgium

With this acquisition, an important work of art and document is returned to Belgium. Currently, only a limited number of Rubens’ drawings are in Belgian public collections. For the Rubenshuis, the acquisition of this work represents a significant enrichment of the collection: to date, the museum holds just two autograph drawings and ten letters by Rubens, of a later date. The new work will play a key role in deepening our knowledge of Rubens’s early creative practice and his international network.

Future presentation and accessibility

Although the artist residence is currently closed for renovation, the public will soon be able to learn more about the drawing and letter in the Rubens Experience. After the reopening of Rubens’s historic home (at the earliest in 2030), the sheet will be given a prominent place in the museum’s new collection presentation, with a special focus on new perspectives, such as the role of female patrons in Rubens’ oeuvre. The work will also be made available online, allowing researchers and art lovers worldwide to access it.

On the role of the King Baudouin Foundation

With its Heritage & Culture programme, the King Baudouin Foundation is committed to encouraging and facilitating philanthropy for cultural, artistic and heritage projects and to preserving and protecting masterpieces and making significant pieces of Belgian cultural heritage publicly accessible. Through acquisitions and donations, the Foundation has assembled a valuable and diverse collection of more than 29,000 objects and 31 archival funds, which are entrusted to more than 100 museums and public institutions in Belgium and abroad. As such, the Foundation, together with its partners (museums and institutions), ensures that valuable heritage is preserved for future generations and accessible to all.

Peter Paul Rubens, Three men in classical robes (recto), Draft letter about a commission for a painting by Eleonora de’ Medici (verso), 1607, pen and brown ink on paper, 120 x 200 mm, Rubenshuis (long-term loan from the King Baudouin Foundation). \u200b

Practical information

Press photos available in this media gallery.

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\n City of Antwerp | Press & PR\n \n \n
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Header image: Peter Paul Rubens, Three men in classical robes (recto), Draft letter about a commission for a painting by Eleonora de’ Medici (verso), 1607, pen and brown ink on paper, 120 x 200 mm, Rubenshuis (long-term loan from the King Baudouin Foundation). \u200b

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