Rubens' Lost Roman Sketchbook Page Found!

A recently unveiled double-sided document, likely originating from Peter Paul Rubens' time in Rome, offers a fresh perspective on the baroque artist. Discovered in Antwerp, the sheet features a spontaneous sketch of three figures, possibly apostles, on one side. The reverse contains an incomplete draft letter from September 1607, penned by a 30-year-old Rubens to Italian painter Cristoforo Roncalli. This correspondence, written on behalf of their mutual patron Eleonora de' Medici, reveals Rubens' careful efforts to diplomatically inquire about a painting's progress.

The draft letter showcases Rubens' struggle to find the appropriate tone, balancing politeness with the urgent need to inspect the artwork for the Duchess of Mantua. This discovery provides a fascinating glimpse into Rubens' nascent diplomatic skills. The document was acquired for Belgium by the King Baudouin Foundation for €110,000, a price reduced from the original asking amount due to its public display destination. This precious piece is a notable addition to the Rubenshuis museum's collection, which holds limited works from Rubens' early periods.