Peter Paul Rubens – Lot and His Daughters

Remarkable in size, at more than two metres across, the painting was influenced by great works Rubens saw on travels through Italy. ‘He transforms those sources into something that’s really spectacular and quite spellbinding,’ Sooke observes. ‘Everywhere you look, there’s something to involve the eye — from different hues, to the shadows in its creases and folds.’ As captivating are the expressions of Rubens’ subjects, rendered in thick impasto: ‘If you spend any time with this picture, it quickly becomes apparent that one of its richest elements is the great sense of psychological complexity within each of its characters,’ Sooke continues. ‘It makes the work feel grand and substantial, and makes it the masterpiece it clearly is.’ Read more at http://www.christies.com/features/Rubens-7448-3.aspx