Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Date: 1630
- Medium: oil on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione by Peter Paul Rubens. The canvas is a 1630 oil on panel that reimagines a masterwork originally painted by Raphael in about 1514. The Italian author and diplomat Baldassare Castiglione sits in the center, his gaze steady, his profile rendered with the dignified grace that made the Raphael original so famous. Rubens, known for his vigorous brushwork and lush color, gives the sitter a richer, more robust complexion and a subtle yet striking play of light across the face that feels both contemporary and timeless.
While Rubens was certainly aware of the Raphael original—either by viewing it in Italy or in Amsterdam by 1630—most scholars believe he was working from other copies or prints rather than the Louvre masterpiece itself. This choice reflects Rubens’ desire to pay homage to Raphael while simultaneously asserting his own artistic voice. The painter’s vigorous handling of drapery and the energetic twist of the sitter’s body create a dynamic contrast to Raphael’s more restrained composition, hinting at a friendly artistic rivalry.
The use of oil on panel allows Rubens to build texture and depth, especially in the subtle gradations of skin tone and the delicate rendering of Castiglione’s tailored clothing. The painting invites viewers to consider the dialogue between Renaissance idealism and Baroque vitality, showcasing Rubens’ skill in bridging these two great artistic epochs.
See it in person
Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
