Rubenesque erotic art

Peter Paul Rubens is celebrated as one of the greatest painters of his age. It combines visual beauty with music -- one inspiring the other? Did Rubens set out to glorify the larger female form? The body — whether displayed publicly or hidden privately — is more always more than meets the eye. Arabella Weir goes to the National Gallery to find out. Characterised by strong colour, movement, drama and theatricality, through the work of masters such as Caravaggio, Bernini and Rubens, the style became popular across much of Europe.

Born inPeter Paul Rubens was a 17th Century Flemish artist who became recognised as one of the leading proponents of a bold, exuberant artistic style called Baroque.

Does My Bum Look Big In This? The Female Body In Art

The human form provided a canvas to explore larger moral, ethical and religious truths. She is over 25, years old from the Paleolithic Period. His painting "A Blonde" was criticized at the time of its unveiling for being " too realistic," said Bruce Weber, senior curator of the National Academy Museum in New York. Now known as "Venus of Willendorf," this iconic artistic depiction of the female form paved the way for countless more. Rubens painted perhaps his most personal painting for his new wife.