Analysis of Baroque Art: Rubens, Italian Influence, and Themes

This report analyzes Baroque art, focusing on the common themes and artistic techniques, particularly through the lens of Peter Paul Rubens and his relationship with Italian influences. The report examines the artwork "The Raising of the Cross" as a key example, illustrating how Rubens adopted and adapted Italian artistic styles, particularly those seen in the Sistine Chapel, to express the dynamism and passion of the Baroque period. The analysis draws on Janson's History of Western Art, highlighting Rubens' role as a diplomat and artist who synthesized various artistic traditions. The report also explores how the Netherlandish ideas spread to the Italians and focuses on the central panel of the church of St. Walburga. The report highlights the common themes and artistic techniques of Baroque art and how they are showcased in the artwork of Rubens and his Italian influences.

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Common theme of Baroque art
Introduction
The common theme identified in Baroque art is the use of different paintings to represent a
certain phenomenon. According to me this commonality exist since it is evident through the
subtopic known as "Peter Paul Rubens and Defining the Baroque” and other work as described
by the author (Ann, 412).
In chapter 20 The Baroque in the Netherlands, it's clear on how the term cycle has been
illustrated by different experts. In addition, the Baroque art in Flanders as seen in the chapter
thrived on commissions as indicated by the author. Baroque explains religious matters by using
the artwork. The book shows how Reuben's interest entirely concentrated on the concept of
paintings by playing a significant role in architecture work and sculptural decoration.
The Baroque despite being born in Rome, it spread through to Rubens who came up with
different at. Rubens according to the author he epitomized the idea of Baroque on the concept of
the virtuoso artist. Through this Rubens acted as a diplomat and advisor to almost all courts of
Europe up to Madrid.
Through the work of Baroque Rubens tried to design a new artwork known as The Raising of the
Cross. The artwork was selected as the most suitable figure to be used in the central panel in the

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altar of the church of St. Walburga although it does not exist today. The main theme revealed by
the artwork was the issue of dynamism of the Baroque and how much Ruben owed to Italians. It
has a masculine figure modeled to reveal the physical power Reuben has to the Italians after he
copied the art skills from Baroque. In addition, the artwork clearly describes the passionate
feeling that Ruben saw and copied from the Sistine Chapel (Davies et al., 56).
The Raising of the Cross artwork by Ruben (Ann, 412).
Conclusion
Therefore, in general, the Rubens artwork outlines how he respected Italian skills. The artwork
clearly summaries on how Netherlandish ideas spread all the way to Italians.

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Works cited
Ann S. Roberts. Janson’s History of Western Art, History of Art, 9th ed. Oxford: 7 July 2014.
Davies, Penelope JE, et al. Janson's Basic History of Western Art. Pearson Higher Ed, 2013.