Over 1,000 recorded works by Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640), the flag of Baroque drama, movement, and sensuality in the 16th century. This essential introduction covers the most important works from this astonishingly prolific oeuvre, exploring Rubens' influences and innovations as well as his remarkable visual and artistic impact. The richly illustrated study includes Rubens' portraits, landscapes, and historical paintings, as well as his renowned and opulent décolletés. Along the way, we examine the artist's astounding technique and his ability to depict narrative with skillful and vivid visual form, whether it be scenes of erotic mythology or tender biblical stories. This remarkable artistic bravura is contextualized both within Rubens' long artistic legacy through Van Dyck, Velázquez, and others, and in his other talents as a classical scholar, diplomat, and knight.