Post 43 of my favorite works of art

Lion, by Peter Paul Ruben

This is one of my favorites partly because of the story behind it. I believe the story goes something like this: The artist was hired to decorate the room, but the patron hated his work and wouldn’t pay for any more. The artist broke into the house while the patron was gone, and painted the fighting peacocks to represent what was going on.

Saint Anthony being plagued with demons.

I first saw this drawing in my art history class, and now have my own copy.

I had an opportunity to see this room in person, so I know the picture doesn’t do it justice. The proportions and piecing together of the woodwork are perfect. When you look at the images depicted from different angles, the doors in the windows look like they’re really hanging open, the flute looks like it’s hanging off the edge of the counter, etc. It’s really astounding.