The Family of Jan Brueghel the Elder
- Artist: Peter Paul Rubens
- Date: c. 1613-15
- Medium: oil on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the Family of Jan Brueghel the Elder by Peter Paul Rubens. Painted in oil on panel around 1613‑15, it’s a warm celebration of family and friendship. Rubens, a close friend and collaborator of Jan Brueghel, set his eyes on the intimate scene: Catharina Brueghel at the center, her hands clasped tenderly with her children, Pieter and Elisabeth. Their gestures create a subtle dialogue that draws the viewer into their domestic world.
What makes this piece truly special is that Rubens added the figure of Jan Brueghel himself at a later stage. He placed the artist over a dark background, a subtle nod to the collaborative nature of the work. The Brueghels are portrayed in their finest clothes, unmistakably wealthy citizens of Antwerp, and Catharina’s gemstone bracelets catch the light, hinting at the personal significance these ornaments held for the family.
The painting’s dating comes from the children’s perceived ages, and it serves as a bittersweet reminder that both Pieter and Elisabeth, along with their father, would tragically die in the cholera epidemic of 1625. The family’s appearance here echoes other still life works by Jan Brueghel, where the siblings are also depicted, creating a cohesive narrative across their oeuvre.
Overall, Rubens’ brushwork conveys both affection and artistry, capturing a fleeting moment of tenderness that resonates with viewers even today.
See it in person
The Family of Jan Brueghel the Elder 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.
