In the present work all Ruben´s paintings, oil sketches and drawings
of Saints or episodes from their lives are discussed
systematically.
Ruben´s representations of Saints are closely linked with the
changed attitudes in the religious and cultural life of the Sourthern
Netherlands as a result of the application of the Decrees of the
Council of Trent. It is striking to see how Rubens evolved an artistic
language fully adapted to this new iconography, which stressed
primarily the heroic and ascetic aspects of the Saints´ lives. In the
present work all Ruben´s paintings, oil sketches and drawings of Saints
or episodes from their lives are discussed systematically. The
catalogue begins with entries on groups such as All Saints, Apostles,
Evangelists and Fathers of the Church, and continues with works
representing single Saints, arranged alphabetically. The catalogue
raisonné is preceded by an introductory text, in which the author
discusses Ruben´s interpretations of hagiographic subjects. The present
volume contains 139 illustrations.