Peter Paul RUBENS (1577-1640) after, 18th century school - Lot 42

Peter Paul RUBENS (1577-1640) after, 18th century school The Triumph of Georges Villiers, First Duke of Buckingham Canvas, enlarged at the top 150 x 110 cm Remake of the painting in the Rubenshuis in Antwerp. George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham Born into a family of minor nobility, George Villiers (1592-1628) epitomized a meteoric rise through beauty and intelligence. Noticed by James I in 1614, he quickly became his favorite, then that of Charles I. Accumulating titles and wealth, he was made Duke of Buckingham in 1623, the most powerful man in England. Magnificent, arrogant and a lavish patron of the arts, he dominated the Court, negotiated the Prince's marriage to Henrietta of France and pursued an ambitious foreign policy. His triumph was that of a man whose charm and audacity subdued two kings and dazzled Europe. [RM]