mm ipishe wmm mwmmmB CERTIFIED AT THE HERALDS OFFICE. BRUSSELS. w Hay &. Son, LifE" to the Queen. CERTIFIED AT THE HERALDS OFFICE. BRUSSELS. Day &. Son, Mr? to the Queen. ORIGINAL UNPUBLISHED PAPEES ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE LIFE OF SIR PETEE PAUL RUBENS AS AN ARTIST AND A DIPLOMATIST. PRESERVED IX H. M. STATE PAPER OFFICE. AN APPENDIX OF DOCUMENTS RESEECTESO THE ARUNDELIAN COLLECTION; THE EARL OF SOMERSET'S COLLECTION; THE GREAT MANTUAN COLLECTION; THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM, GENTILESCHI, GERBIER, HONTHORST, LE SUEUE, MTTTENS, TOREENTIUS, VANDERDOORT, ETC., ETC., ETC. COLLECTED AH D EDITED BT W. NOEL SAINSBURY. (OF H. 5L STATE PAPER OFFICE.) LONDON : BEADBUEY & EVANS, 'll, BOUVEEIE STEEET, 1859. [Tlie Author reserves ihe rirjht of Translation.} LONDON : ERADBURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, "WHITEPRIAR3. g-eukaleir HIS EXCELLENCY MONS. SILTAIN VAN DE WEYER; HIS OBLIGED AND OBEDIENT SERVANT, W. NOEL SALISBURY. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. HER MAJESTY'S LIBRARY. THE PRINCE CONSORT. THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. THE COUNT OF FLANDERS. His Excellency G. M. Dallas, the American Minister. His Excellency Mons. Van de "Weyer, the Belgian Minister (12 copies). His Excellency Count Lavbadio, the Portuguese Minister. LIBRARIES. Arthur's Clue. Bank op England. Boston, U. S., Public Library. Canada, Royal Library. So. Carolina College, TJ.S. East India House. Foreign Office. Lincoln's Inn, the Hon. Society of. London Institution, London Library. Reform Club. Royal Ikstitution. Royal Scottish Academy. Science and Arc Department, Ken sington (2 copies). Sion College. The Duke of Argyll. The Earl of Aberdeen. Lord Ashburton. Alexander, I. H., Esq., U.S. Allen, Rev. John. Angerstein, T7., Esq. Auger, J. G., Esq. B. The Marquis of Breadalbane (2.copia>). Lord Boston. Lady Burrard Hon. George Bancroft, U.S. Bainbridge, Capt., 17th Lancers. Bates, Joshua, Esq. Bell, Matthew, Esq. Bennett, Mrs. Benson, Lt.-Col., 17th Lancers. Bonus, Alfred, Esq. Botfield, Beriah, Esq., M.P. Boys, H. R, Esq. Bruce, John, Esq., Dir. CS. Burnand, Capt. A, 17th Lancers. Bdrrard, Mrs. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. C. The Earl of Clarendon. Clarke, Theophilus, Esq. Cleohorn, Capt. Geo., 17th Lancers. Cornell, Samuel, Esq. Costa, Maurice, Esq. Craig, J. T. Gibson, Esq. Crozier, Miss Fanny. Curzon, Capt., Hon. W. Tl., 17th Lan cers. D. The Duke of Devonshire. The Earl of Derby. The Earl of Durham. Dalbiac, 'William, Esq. Dickinson, "William, Esq. Dixon, Hlpworth, Esq. Douglas, Captain. Driver, R. C, Esq. The Earl of Effingham. The Eael of Ellesmere. Viscount Eversley. Lord Elury. Rt. Hon. T. Southeron Estcourt, M.P. Eastlake, Sir Charles, P.R.A. Egg, Augustus, Esq., R.A. Ellis, Sir Henry. Elmore, Alfred, Esq., R.A. Estcourt, Eev. Edmund. Lord Feversham. Lord Foley. Franks, Augustus, W., Esq., Dir. S.A. G. The Earl de Grey. The Earl of Gosford. Rt. Hon. Sir George Grey, Baronet, M.P. Capt. Sir W. Gordon, 17th Lancers. Gardiner, S. R., Esq. Garland, W., Esq., 17th Lancers. Gash, Thomas Cotter, Esq. (2 copies). Gibsone, Lieut., 17th Lancers. Gipps, George, Esq. Gorch, Lieut. Arthur, 17th Lancers. Goslett, Joseph, Esq. Grant, Francis, Esq., R.A. Green, G. P. R., Esq., R.A. H. The Earl of Hardwicke. The Earl of Harrowby. Hakewill, I. H., Esq. Hambeu, F. M., Esq. Hart, Samuel A., Esq., R.A. Hawkins, John, Esq. Hawkins, jun., John, Esq. Hawkins, "Walter, Esq. Holford, R. S., Esq. Hutchinson, James, Esq. The Earl Jermyn. Jonson, Mrs., (2 copies). King, Thos. "W., Esq., York Herald. Knight, Capt. L. E., 17th Lancers. The Marquis of Lansdowne. Rt. Hon. H. Labouchere, M.P. Rt. Hon. Sir G. Cornewall Lewis, M.P. Laing, David, Esq. Landseer, Sir Edwin, R.A. M. The Duke of Manchester. The Duke of Marlborough. The Earl of Malmesbury. Sir George Musgrave, Bart. Mead, Frederick, Esq. Moore, Miss. Moore, Andrew, Esq. Moore, Joshua, Esq. (2 copies). MDLREADY, WlLLIAM, ESQ., R.A. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. N. The Duke op Newcastle. The Duke of Norfolk. Nichols, John Gough, Esq. Nolan, Lieut. AY, 17th Lancers O. Lord Overstone. Orme, Mrs. The Duke of Portland. The Earl of Powis. Lord Viscount Palmerston. Palmer, Miss. Perceval, the Misses (2 copies). Pettigrew, F. W., Esq. Pinkerton, AV., Esq. Pinney, Mrs. Piper, Mp.s. Pointer, Mrs. Prescott, W. G., Esq. The Earl of Roden. Rackham, Peter, Esq. (6 copies). Rivers, Wm. James, Esq., U.S. Roberts, David, Esq., R.A. Roche, Alfred, Esq. Rogers, Mrs. James. Rogers, Charles, Esq. Rougier, Henry, Esq. S. The Duke of Sutherland. The Marquis of Salisbury. The Earl of St. Germans. Surubsole, Mrs. Smith, T. Eveiunguam, Esq. Stan-field, Clakkson, Esq., R.A. Stirling, AA'illiam, Esq., MP. Stepiie.nson, Capt. 17th Lancers. Strong, George T., Esq., U.S. Symonds, Rev. Dr., AVadham Collegk, Oxford. T. Sir Walter C Trevelyan, Bart. Tayler, Federick, Esq., R.A. Teaiplk, Christopher, Esq., Q.C. Temple, Lmfric, Esq. Thorpe, Map.kham John, Esq. Tolstoy, George, Esq. AY The Duke of AVellington. The Marquis of AA'estmeath. The Marquis of AVestminbtsb. The Earl of AVestmoreland. Lord AS'haiincliffk. Sir Thomas Marvon AVilson, Bart. Rt. Hon. Sir Charles AVood, Bart., M.P. Rt. Hon. Spencer H. Walpolk, M.P. AYalker, Josiah, Esq. AA'ard, AVilijam, Esq. AYaterfield, Dr. Waymouth, Lieut. C, 17th Lancers. AVilde, George, Esq. Williams, Rev. Dr., New College, Oxford. Wilson, Frederick Maryon, Esq. AYindus, Benjamin Godfrey, Esq. (2 copies). AA'olff, \Y Drummond, Esq. AVostenholme, Geohge, Esq. (3 copies). Y. The Earl i-f Yakborouou (2 copies). PEEFACE. I haa'e been frequently asked, Avhile engaged upon this book, Avhat there could be new to say about Rubens. I have been told that there were critical notices and remarks without number, on his works ; that Dr. Waagen had Avritten his biography ; that Emile Gachet had printed a collection of his letters ; that Michel had written his " Tlistoire ; " that, as late as 1854, Alfred Michiels had published " Rubens et I' ecole cl' Anvers ;" that the subject was exhausted ; and that there was, in fact, nothing left unsaid about the great Flemish artist. Such remarks are true and conclu sive, but only so far as they apply. My answer Avill, I hope, be found not less so. In Her Majesty's State Paper. Office there is preserved a vast and noble collection of Original Papers and Documents. They are, of course, chiefly of an official and diplomatic character, but there is also much that is curious and valuable of a private nature. This rich mine has been rarely worked; and from it all the letters, Avith but few exceptions, contained in this volume, have been selected. The Earl of Arundel, Sir Dudley Carleton, Sir Thomas Eoe, Sir- Balthazar Gerbier, Sir Isaac Wake, and other public men, kept np a regular correspondence Avith most of the celebrities of their time. During several years I had observed that their private letters had frequently found their way into the State Paper Office, together with their public dispatches ; and from these, I have taken, much that is new and valuable. The introductory pages are taken from those printed sources aoknoAvledged to be the most valuable ; and 5 2 xii PREFACE. where there Avas discrepancy in date or detail, I have endeavoured to select the most authentic accomit, and appended notes of reference. An interleaved copy of Descamps, with valuable manuscript notes by M. Francois Mols, a native of Antwerp, who resided there during the greater part of the eighteenth century — kindly lent to me by His Excellency Mons. Sylvain Van de "Weyer, the Belgian Minister — has been of the greatest assistance to me in these inquiries. In the first letter1 Carle ton gives so curious a picture of Antwerp, the city Avith Avhich the name of Rubens is indis solubly connected, that it forms an appropriate introduction to the correspondence which folloAVS. Soon after Carleton had arrived as Ambassador at the Hague, he took the opportunity to make a petty progress, " choosing rather," he remarks, " to acquaint himself Avith these places in the beginning of his residence, Avhereby the knowledge of them might be of some use, than (as many do) at parting, to find talk Avhen they come home." It Avas on this occasion that, most probably, he first became acquainted Avith Rubens. A letter from Toby Matthew, Avritten a feAv days afterwards, informs us that he was in negotiation Avith Rubens for a hunting-piece, " according to Carleton's commis sion." '" Through this commission some of the earliest of the works of Rubens were introduced into England, and it is through Carleton's great love of the arts, his untiring industry, zeal, good taste, and judgment, that we are indebted for some of the noblest and choicest works of art that England possesses. But I shall have occasion more particularly to speak of this great patron of the arts by-and-bye. Toby Matthew and George Gage seem to have acted as Carleton's agents about this time, in negotiating an exchange of a chain of Diamonds belonging to Lady Carleton for a picture by the hand of Rubens. There are several letters on this subject3 which will be read AA'ith interest. They show the price that Rubens set upon his works at this period, and the firmness with Avhich he kept to his original and 1 Letter i., p. 11. 2 Letter iii., p. 14. :i Pp. 14 25. PREFACE. xiii well-considered estimate of the value of his oavu labours. " His demands," says Toby MattheAv, " are like the laws of the Medes and Persians which may not be altered." 1 The careful study which Rubens gave to ' every detail in his pictures, the pains he Avas at rightly to ascertain the most minute particulars of any subject he undertook, and the antiquarian knowledge he displa3yed, are vividly set forth in a characteristic letter5 written by him to a celebrated Flemish antiquary in 1018. With reference to this letter I am fortunately able to give the opinions of two gentlemen, who speak in relation to such subjects with an authority AA'hich every one will admit. Mr. Layard, in reference to this letter, observes, "It is both interesting and instructive, as showing the extent of Rubens's reading, and the attention he paid to the details of Ms pictures." Sir John Gardner Wilkinson also says, " I have read this letter with much interest, and return it you with many thanks." Another illus tration I would give of Rubens's great attention to detail. In several of his paintings of " The Crucifixion," and on his celebrated " Descent from the Cross," the scroll containing the superscription, written by Pilate, is not only written in real Hebrew characters, but in the dialect of Aramaean or Chaldee, used in Palestine at the time of the Crucifixion, that dialect Avhich St. Paul most probably could speak, write, and which he used Avhen he addressed the Assembly in the Hebrew tongue. Rubens therefore Avas at the pains either to get his Hebrew properly composed for him by one of the great scholars of his day, or, which is more probable, he Avas himself a critical scholar. It is somewhat astonishing that other celebrated painters have not practised the like accuracy, and still more surprising that, in one or two copies of Rubens's picture, the superscription is copied so carelessly that it is impossible to read it at all. A second and more important negotiation Avith Rubens, about an exchange with Carleton of pictures for the collection of antiques and statues belonging to the latter, has a considerable degree of 4 Letter xliv., p. 53. 5 Letter xviii., p. 25. xiv PREFACE. interest. Mr. Carpenter, of the British Museum, to Avhom I am indebted for the use of his published English translations of several of the Italian letters in this correspondence, has, it is true, previously made this transaction known, but I have found many additional papers, which explain the origin of the negotiation and make the history of it more complete. The tone of these letters reflects the highest credit on both parties. Carleton and Rubens were both equally pleased at the result of their correspondence. Carleton not only esteemed Rubens as " the Prince of Painters and of Gentlemen," but told him so in the most flattering manner." Lord Danvers, afterwards Earl of Danby, took considerable pains to get a good painting by Rubens. He had, in his possession, a picture of the Creation by II Bassano, which, Avas " very much cracked and spoyled, the color in many places being come off,"7 and he Avas anxious that Rubens should repair it. This circumstance was fertile in important results ; Rubens, in consequence, Avas commissioned to paint a picture for the Gallery of Charles Prince of Wales. This picture was not approved of;. Lord Danvers complained3 that " in every painter's opinion he had sent a piece scarce touched by his own hand, and the postures so forced, as the Prince will not admit the picture into his gallery." His Lordsliip Avished that " the famous man would do some one thing to register or redeem his reputation." He says that Prince Charles at that, time possessed of his paintings only "Judith and Holofernes, of little credit to his great skill." t: The Creation " which, it will be seen, rendered closer Rubens's connection with the Court of England, was purchased in Italy, in 161-1, for Lord Danvers by Sir Dudley Carleton, the great instru ment in the acquisition of most of the celebrated pictures which found their way into England about this period. In 1616 pictures to the amount of £200 were sold by Carleton to the Earl of Arundel and Lord Danvers.9 6 Letter xxiv., p. S7. 7 Letter xl, p. 50. * Letter xlix., p. 57. " Letter xxx , et ser/., pp. 270 et seq. PREFACE. xv- Vexed at the dissatisfaction evinced in a letter to King James's Resident at Brussels, Rubens repudiates the idea of gainsaying what he had previously asserted as to the Avorth of this picture; "that is not my AA-ay of acting.'"" He candidly confesses that it Avas not painted entirely by his own hand, but adds, if it had been, "it would be well Avorth tAvice as much" as Aras agreed upon; nevertheless, in the most gentlemanly and generous manner, he submits himself to the good pleasure of Carleton, whom, he says, " I esteem more than any body AA-ould believe." Perhaps one of the most interesting letters in this volume Avas Avritten by Rubens in consequence of the bad reception of this picture. Trumbull saAv him again on the subject, and the written reply of Rubens " contains points of no little weight in explanation of his personal and artistic qualifi cations. "Every one according to his gifts," is the astute remark of this great painter; "my endoAvments are such that I have never wanted courage to undertake any design, koAvever vast in size or diversified in subject." The purchase, by the Duke of Buckingham, of the celebrated collection of antiques, gems, and pictures, amassed by Rubens — the antiques and statues must have been those previously- belonging to Carleton — is an incident to be found in every biography of the artist; but the letters in this volume throw additional light on this well-known purchase. I am inclined to believe that it was never completely effected; that the greater part of the collection was sent to England there can be little doubt,12 but it is equally certain that the purchase had been agreed upon more than two years before it was completed,1* even if it were then. Gerbier, in 1640, says,11 " Avhen the late Duke of Buckingham had bought a great deal of Sir Peter Rubens's rarities, his design was to get an assignment on part of that debt [i. e. a debt OAving from the Low Countries to Charles L] which Sir Peter Rubens made difficulty to accept." From the acquaintance that Rubens made with the Duke of 10 Letter xlvii., p. 56. " Letter liv., p. 59. n P. 65, note 1)6. 13 Pp. 70 and 103. u P. 71, note 100. xvi PREFACE. Buckingham while at Paris, in April, 1625, and again at AntAverp in the following September, out of Avhich the well-known purchase of his Cabinet took its rise, negotiations, sprang of a very different character: negotiations in which Rubens was engaged for many years, and to which England is indebted for a visit from this extraordinary genius. War, fierce and intolerable, obstinate aud fatal, had been raging for some years between the Catholic States in Flanders, under the dominion of the King of Spain, and the Seven United Provinces, which had thrown off the Spanish yoke. The Infanta Isabella, the sister of Philip III., and the Governor of the Netherlands, Avho, since the death of her husband in July, 1621, had found the advice of Rubens more necessary than ever, employed him in negotiating for a general suspension of arms betAveen Great Britain, Denmark, Spain, and the States General of the United Provinces. Balthazar Gerbier, Master of the Horse to the Duke of Buckingham, and Avhom he accompanied in most of his travels, met Rubens at Paris, in April, 1625.'5 On that occasion Rubens made proposals to Gerbier for effecting a peace, and a correspondence arose out of this circumstance. Gerbier Avas sent to Flanders and Holland with powers to treat with Rubens, as the accredited Agent of the Court of Brussels, either for a peace or a suspension of arms ; and Lord Carleton, who had returned to England after having been ten years Ambassador at the Hague, Avas again sent there in 1627, to assist Gerbier's labours with his influence. This correspondence is entirely new. The general reader will not fail to discover in these letters an extraordinary aptitude in the great artist for political negotiation ; the diplomatist will at once detect the ability of Rubens, who, through his untiring zeal and perseverance, brought these negotiations to a successful ter mination. His letters to the .Duke of Buckingham and to Gerbier furnish a most vivid picture of his character. A high and noble tone, dignity and firmness, cautiousness, exquisitely united to the most polite courtesy, elegant composition, and elevated sentiment, at once shoAV the education of the gentleman 13 Pp. 67, 68. PREFACE. xvii and the mind of the man. It is a remarkable fact, that in no instance, with the exception of a foolish jealousy of the old Duke of Arschot,16 have I been able to find any reflection prejudicial to the character of Rubens, or in any ways affecting the universal popu larity which he seems to have enjoyed throughout his long career. The account that the Earl of Carlisle gives Buckingham of his interview AAith Rubens, whom he met at Yan Dyck's house in Antwerp, is full of interest.17 Rubens soon after goes to Spain, where Ave find him Avriting from Madrid to Lord Carlisle, Avith the same hopes still at heart, " that the interests of the Kings our Masters will be made inseparable, and their reputation and glory so united that there will remain no scruple between their servants in serving either the one or the other."18 Extraordinary changes had taken place since the days of Elizabeth and the Spanish Armada. James I., bjr his timid policy and over-anxious desire for a Spanish alliance, had completely altered the relative positions of the two countries. When Charles I. ascended the throne, his favourite, Buckingham, was permitted to act pretty much as he liked. On account of some jealousy or anger at Buckingham's conduct while in Spain, in 1623, in company Avith Prince Charles, the Conde d'Olivarez thoroughly hated the Duke. Buckingham was not slow to resent this, and under a pretext, trifling even if true, forced on a war with Spain. While Buckingham and Olivarez lived, and ruled the affairs of either nation, not much difference in policy could be looked for; but no sooner was the former assassinated, in August, 1628, than Rubens set out for Spain, and negotiations recommenced, which happily ended in a peace being concluded between the two nations, on -fV November, 1630. All the biographies of Rubens give erroneous dates to his itinerarv at this period ; the letters printed in this volume are of no little value on that point. Rubens started in August or September, 1628, for Spain, which he left on the 27th of April, 1629, and arrived at Paris on the 12th of May following. From i" Pp. 178-9, note 231. 17 better eiii., p. 119. IS Letter civ., p. 124. xviii PREFACE. thence he went to Brussels, stayed a few days at Antwerp, and embarked at Dunkirk for London, which he reached between the 20th and 27th of May, 1629, in company with his brother-in-law, Henry Brandt, and several attendants.1" Charles himself Avas evidently anxious that the coming of Rubens should not be delayed.20 The King sent one of his own ships to Dunkirk, to bring him to England, " for Rubens was mightily afraid of the Hollanders, and except a ship come to receive him here, he is of intention to return back ; he only does expect here for a resolute answer." 31 Although the correspondence relating to this mission of Rubens to England is not by any means voluminous, the nature of his employment is clearly explained,22 and it is equally clear that France was extremely jealous of his negotiation.23 Rubens's visit to this country is, to Englishmen, one of the most interesting events in his life. Few details are known concerning it, so that one or two may be thought worthy of notice in this place. After he had been in London about a month, in com pany with Sigr. Barozzi, the Duke of Savoy's Secretary, his own chaplain, and several others, he took boat for Greenwich. In shooting London Bridge the boat AAras overturned, in con sequence of some movement of one of the company — a priest or chaplain — arising out of timidity. The chaplain Avas drowned, and Barozzi himself was hardly saved bjT one of the party catching hold of one of his spurs at his third rising to the top of the Avater." What a happy escape for the Great Artist ! On the 23rd September, 1629, Rubens paid a visit to Cam bridge in company Avith Lord Holland, the Chancellor of the University, the French Ambassador, Henry Brandt, his brother- in-law, and others. A brilliant assembly of noblemen and gentle men was there at the same time, many of whom, together with Rubens, had the Honorary Degree of Master of Arts conferred upon them." He most probably visited several parts of England. >3 P. ISO. -° Letter ex., p. 127. *< Letter cix _ p m> 22 P. 130. ss Letter cxix., p. 137. -* Letter exvi. p. 133. 53 P. 138. PREFACE. xix Mr. H. A. J. Munro, has a fine portrait of old Parr, said to have been painted at Shrewsbury by Rubens. Gerbier's letter to Cottington, the English Ambassador at Madrid, Avritten about five days before Rubens left England, contains several curious particulars. He says that Charles I. had secretly promised to confer upon Rubens the honour of knighthood, but that when he took his leave of the King, His Majesty did not do so.26 It is, however, well knoAvn that he Avas knighted by King Charles on 21st February, 1630, and that there Avas added to the arms of the neAv Knight a canton, containing the royal lion of England. He Avas also pre sented Avith a diamond ring and a hatband Avorth £500, which His Majesty had previously purchased of Gerbier.2'* Whilst in London, Rubens lived in the house of Balthazar Gerbier, who Avas paid, by the King's command, all his expenses incurred during Rubens's residence. There is an interesting " relation of the ceremony that passed in Spain at the publication and swearing the peace by the King of Spain."23 Just one year before that event, the Spanish Ambassador had his first public audience with the King and Queen in the Banquetting Hall at Whitehall, and it is someAvhat singular that the same complaints Avith which Ave are now famihar Avere made on that occasion by the ladies present. Carleton, then Secretary of State, tells Cottington that the number of ladies was so great, that they reached to the very door, " and yet were there many fallings out for spoiling one another's ruffs by being so closely ranked." 2S After the death of his great patron the Infanta Isabella,' in 1 633, Rubens took little part in political transactions. The treaty with the Catholic provinces died Avith the Infanta, although Rubens had returned from the Hague satisfied Avith having pro cured the introduction of a peace ; 3° which, hoAvever, observes Sir William Boswell, the King's Resident at the Hague, " a suc cession of young and warmer blood will hardly entertain Avith »'¦ Letter cxxxi., p. 115. "7 P. 146. -3 P. 154, note 207. -,J Letter cxxv., p. 142. 30 P. 157. xx PREFACE. the like devotion."31 We cannot omit calling attention to Rubens's letter to Junius, Avritten in lf.31.35 His critique on one of this learned man's most A'aluable works, and his remarks on the great early Italian Masters, will doubtless be read with interest. A very full account of the pictures painted by Rubens for the Banqueting Hall at Whitehall Avill be found in this volume. Many letters relating to this subject supply details and contain particulars entirely neAv.33 Although Rubens does not appear to have been commissioned to paint these magnificent pictures until he visited England in 1029, Avhen he made the sketches for them ; still it is quite clear, from a letter Avritten by himself, that, as early as 1621, before the neAv Banqueting House Avas finished, he Avas the artist selected for that Avork.3' Such Avas the confidence inspired by the transactions which the King had with Rubens, that Ave find His Majesty offering the artist a pension if he would remove to Brussels, and act there as political agent to the English Government.35 The last letters relating to Rubens to which Ave would draw attention, haAre an interest of a someAvhat painful nature. Queen Henrietta Maria was anxious to have her Cabinet at GreenAvich decorated with paintings. Edward Norgate was instructed, through Will Murray of the King's Bedchamber, to commission Jacques Jordaens, a pupil of Rubens, to paint these pictures, which were to consist of nine pieces for the ceiling and thirteen to decorate the four sides of the room. But Gerbier, an artist himself, objected to Jordaens being engaged on a work of such importance. 26 Rubens and Gerbier, throughout the corre spondence in -this volume, are represented as having maintained a constant friendship. Gerbier strongly recommended Rubens as a fitter artist than Jordaens. " They are," he says, " both Dutchmen, and of the two, most certaine Sir Peter Rubens is the gentilest in his representations ; his landskipps more rare, 31 Letter clxix., p. IS-'. 32 Letter exxxvii., p. 159. xi pp 153 184 34 Letter liv... p. 61. 33 Letter eci.; p. 207. 3G p. 211. PREFACE. xxi and all other circumstances more proper.".37 But Gerbier's recommendation Avas not adopted; he still, liOAvever, urged that Rubens should be put upon the pictures for the ceiling, Avhile Jordaens should undertake those for the four sides of the room. An objection arose which prevented this arrangement from being carried into effect. Rubens demanded =£240 more than Jordaens for the Avork ; still Gerbier Avould not remain satisfied. He Avrote to Charles I." himself, as a last resource, inclosing a letter AA'herein Rubens describes the subjects he Avould make choice of, and requests the King's instructions Avhether " Sir Peter Rubens shall be put on those of the seeling, though itt should cost £240 starling more.""'3 Gerbier's kindly offices Avere of no avail. The great artist, Avho had been a martyr to the gout for a long time past, was seized, before an answer could be received, Avith a most violent attack of ague and gout. After some days the gout reached his heart, and put a sudden termination to the life of a man of the greatest genius that ever lived. " He was much regretted and commended, hath left a rich Avidow and rich chil dren, and many rarities \Arhich -will be sold by out-cry.""0 After the death of Rubens, " Jordaens remained the prime painter " in Flanders ; and there is evidence that one, at all events, of his pictures for the Queen's Cabinet reached its destination. He received £100 on account, and as the sum for the Avhole work was to amount to £680 sterling, " more money is looked for by Jordaens."'11 This transaction was conducted secretly; Jordaens, in December, 1640, had not been told for whom the pictures were intended. I have unwittingly enlarged so much upon the papers relating to Rubens, that I must needs be brief AA'ith those contained in my Appendix. This is of less importance, as I have prefixed to the becdnning of each diA-ision introductory remarks, in wliich I have endeavoured to point out the portions of most interest. Appendix A. contains all the letters of Rubens in the original lan°'ua»es in wliich he Avrote ; translations will be found in order 3'" Letter ecx., p. 214. 33 Letter cexxv., p. 225. M Letter cexxiv., p. 224. 10 Letter cexxxii., p. 230. 'u Letter eexxxvii., p. 234. xxii PREFACE. of date. And I wish it to be particularly understood, that I have, in every letter throughout this volume, adhered to the original tert, except Avhere they are translated, in such case the modern orthography is naturally adopted. The correspondence relating to the formation of tlie Arundelian Collection ; to that of the .collection of Robert Carr, Earl of Somerset; to the collection of antiques and statues belonging to Carleton ; the letters of Gentileschi, Gerbier, Hubert Le Sueur, Myttens, Torrentius, and others, are full of curious matter hitherto unknoAvn. The history of the acquisition of " The Mantuan Collection " is not tlie least interesting part of the Correspondence. It gives a complete account of the purchases of those priceless Avorks of art, and affixes the exact dates at Avhich they were made. Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Mantegna, Tintoretto, and most of the great artists, are frequently alluded to; their pictures — Avhich include the St. Catherine, of Cor reggio ; Mercury instructing Venus in the presence of Cupid, by Correggio, now in the National Gallery; the Triumph of Julius Caesar, by Mantegna, now at Hampton Court— are the subject of purchase : Avorks, the admiration of all. The King's Ambassador at Venice, Sir Dudley Carleton, on his return home, in November, 1615, brought Avith him a large store of pictures and works of art, collected in Italy. Many of the finest paintings Avhich have found their way into England Avere originally purchased by this indefatigable amateur, either for himself or for some one of his numerous patrons. It is very probable that the first pictures purchased by the Earl of Arundel were bought of Carleton.''' To his acquaintance and long correspondence Avitli Daniel Nys, to Avhose daughter Cecilia he Avas godfather, it Avas owing that " Tlie Great Mantuan Collection " AA'as purchased for King Charles I. Carleton either purchased for, or made presents of works of art, to almost every Englishman of eminence of his day. James I., Charles I., Somerset, Buckingham, Arundel, Danvers, and a host of others, may be cited as evidence. The Correspondence in this volume proves that he Avas a great 42 P. 238. PREFACE. xxiii connoisseur, a liberal patron, an intelligent agent, and a lavish giver of the greatest treasures of art, antiques, as well as pictures. Before taking leave, I have a most pleasing and agreeable duty to perform. From the time that I first undertook the task of collecting the materials for this volume, to the present hour, I have met with the kindest, the most considerate, and the most invaluable assistance from every one to AA-hom I have applied ; even more, from those avIio have cheerfully volunteered their help. Never say that authors are jealous — generous, I am sure, should rather supply the Av-ord. Altliough I cannot specify by name all Avho haA'e lent me a willing hand, there are tAvo or three I cannot pass over immentioned. To his Excellency Monsieur Sylvain Van de Weyer I am under the deejiest obligation. Yvrithout his patronage I could not have continued my labours; Avithout his assistance I should never have completed them. The books Avhich His Excellency has placed at my disposal, and the courteous and ready manner in Avliich he has invariably rendered me assistance, demand from me this public acknowledgment of gratitude and thanks. To Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, for the ready facilities granted me for research and making copies before the present regulations Avere in force, I am very grateful. To John Bruce, Esq., I am greatly indebted. Without his valuable suggestions, clear judgment, and kind assistance, I should certainly have been found wanting. I beg leave to return him my very best thanks. To Mrs. M. A. Everett Green, also, I am under great obligations. To the late Dawson Turner, Esq., avIio has died since the earlier sheets of this volume were in type, I am indebted for his kind permission to reprint the Inventory of Pictures found in Rubens's House after his death, as also for an original letter, a facsimile of Avhich only he had previously printed. And to William Impey and William Douglas Hamilton, Esqs., my fellow labourers in the field of official life, I am greatly obliged for many ready acts of kindness and assistance. xxiv PREFACE. And noAV, good Reader, fareAvell. I leave the result of this, my first volume, with confidence in your hands ; assured that, however inadequately I may have performed my Editorial labours, you Avill fully appreciate the value and importance of the Original Papers contained in this volume. AY KOEL SAINSBTJRY. December 6th, 185S. JOUN Kl'Jil'Ns. Lorn 13 March, 1680. Mod IS March, 1587. MAHI/V PYrEI.INCX, lloi-n 21 March, 153S On.d Hi October, KiOS. _i_. John Baptist Unbent;. Boru at Antwerp, in 150-2. Died 1000. Blandina Kubons. Horn at Antwerp, 12 May, 150-t. Diud 23 April, 1006. Albert Kubcns. Born 5 June, 1014. Died 1 Oct., 1657. Clara Rubons. Boru at Antwerp, 17 Nov., I D(35. Died 20 Sep., 15S0. ITcjU'y R,ubons. Born at Antwerp, 1567. .Died 1583, Nicholas Rubens. Lorn 23 Mar., 1618. Died 26 Sept., 1655. Clara Jane .Rubens. Born IS Jan., 1632, Died 24 Mar., J6S9. I Philip Uubcns. Boru at Sicgcn, 27 April. 157-1. Died 2S Aug., 1611. Franeis Kubons, Bom 12 July, 1633. Died 26 Sep., 167S. 1st Wifo, Isabella llrunt. Married 13 Oct., low. Diod Juno, 1026. Isabolla Holona llubous. Born S May, 1680. Died 21 Sep., 1652. Utter Haul Kubtns. Horn at Siegen, 20th Juno, 1577. Died 20 May, 10-10. Peter Paul Rubens. Born 1 March, 1637. Died 9 Aug., 16S4. ilml wile. Helena Fourment. Born 1014. Llarnod 6 Doe. 1030. Bartholomew Kubons. Born n t Cologne l.VSI. Died 1083. Constants Albertina Rubens. (A posthumous child.) Born 3 Feb., 1041. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. Peter Paul Rubens, the principal subject of the following pages, Avas the fourth son and the sixth child of John Rubens, a lawyer of some celebrity, and Maria Pypelincx, his Avife, both natives of AntAverp, who emigrated to Cologne in 1568, on account of the religious Avars which ravaged the Netherlands. In 1571, John Rubens Avas imprisoned in the citadel of Dillenburg, in the Duchy of Nassau, in consequence of an intrigue Avith Anne of Saxony, the second wife of the Prince of Orange. At the end of two years his AA-ife obtained the privilege of visiting him in his prison and sub sequently permission to live Avith him in any town of the Duchy. They went to reside at Siegen, Avhere on the 27th April, 1574, a fifth child, Philip Rubens, Avas born, and there also, on the 29th June, 1577, the festival of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the great Flemish artist Avas born.' In 1578 they again settled at Cologne, and there, on the 18th of March, 1587, John Rubens died, and was interred in the church of St. Peter.2 In the following year tlie 1 " Rubens et l'ecole tl'Anvers, par Alfred Michiels,'' who gives along account of the origin of the family of Rubens, which he states to have been very humble; of the amours of his father, John Rubens, with the Princess of Orange; of hi3 imprisonment in consequence, and the efforts made by his wife, which Ayere ultimately successful, to obtain her husband's liberty (pp. 54—73). See also a letter dated if July, 163T, where Eubens says, " I have a great affection for the city of Cologne, where I was brought up until I wa3 ten years of age." But Alfred Michiels says he never designates Color/ne as the place of his birth. 2 His residence at Cologne was in the Rue de l'Btoile, in the parish of St. Peter. A stone tablet, inserted in the front wall of this house, bears an inscription signifying that Peter Paul Rubens was born there on the 29th June, 1577, and that John Rubens, his father died there in 1587, and was buried in the church of St. Peter. This house was subsequently the residence of a Monsieur Jabach, and in 1830 was in the occu pation of a wine-merchant and publican (Smith's Cat. RaisonnS, vol. ii. p. 11). 2 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. mother of Rubens, after twenty years' exile, resolved to return to her native city, which had surrendered in August, I080, after a twelvemonth's siege, to the dominion of Spain, and there Rubens continued his studies. His mother then placed him Avith Margaret de Ligne, widoAV of the Count of Lalaing, as page, but the licen tious life of his companions was little suited to his taste, and in a short time he returned home. It was his mother's intention that Rubens should follow his father's profession, the law, but animated by a love of draAving and painting, he persuaded her in 1590, when only thirteen years old, to place him as a pupil Avith Tobias Van Haeght, a skilful landscape painter,3 with whom he did not' stay long, and after- Avards with Adam Van Noort," distinguished for his fine colouring, with AAdiom he remained a longer time than Avith either his previous or his subsequent master, but whose brutal disposition and dissolute life compelled young Rubens to leave him. In 1596, at the age of nineteen, he went to Othon Van Veen, usually called Otto Venius, the Flemish Raphael,5 who Avas at that time 3 Tobias Verbaecht, Verhaeght, or Vanderhaeght, for hi3 name is thus differently written ; but Van Haeght is correct, for so it is written upon the register of the Academy, and so he wrote it himself, was born at Antwerp in 1-566. In 1590, he was received " Maltre," and was " Doyen des Maitres " in 1594-5. It was from him that Rubens learnt the first principles of draAving; but it is A'ery probable that Rubens, aspiring to greater things, left this school to go to Adam Van Noort, that he might become skilful in the historical part of his art. The Duke of Florence thonght a great deal of Van Haeght's talent, aud Rome itself admires his picture of the Tower of Babel, an immense work in its details, which he painted to make himself known. Cornille de Bie, a Flemish painter, who has WTitten the Lives of the Painters in verse, says he painted the same subject three or four time3. He died at Antwerp, in 1631, aged 65. From MS. notes, Avhich appear to ha\'e been made in 1779 (p. 324), by M. Francois Mols — who was a native of Antwerp, and resided there during the greater portion of the 18th century, where he died in 1790 — to an edition of Descamps, wliich his Excellency M. Van de AVeyer ha3 kindly allowed me to make use of; also Descamps, torn. i. pp. 228-251. 4 Adam Van Noort, for so he wrote himself on his pictures, and M. Mols states he finds the name thus lvritten on the list of the Doyens of St. Luke for 1598, was bom at Antwerp in 1557, and received "Maitre" in 1587. Ho enjoyed a considerable - reputation, and painted several great works for which he was well paid ; amongst others, a " Descent from the Cross," in the chapel of the Holy Sacrament in the cathedral at Antwerp, in which may be seen the principles that Rubens has followed sometimesin hi3 pictures. His brutality made him dangerous and insupportable; he lost his friends and pupils, and latterly regarded painting as a means only to make money. Rubens said of him that he Avould have surpassed his contemporaries had be visited Rome and " cherchg a se former sur les bons modeles." He died at Antwerp in 1041, aged 84.— MS. Notes by MM. Mols : Descamps, torn. i. p. 228. s Othon Van Veen, for so he wrote it himself, was born at Leydenj in 1550. He was received into the " Brotherhood of St. Luke," or the Chamber of Painters in Antwerp in 1594, and served as Doyen from September, 1603, to September, 1604. He was not only held in high esteem by the Archduke Albert and the Infanta PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 3 court painter to the Archduke Albert, .Governor of the Nether lands. In the selection of this master, Rubens was most happy. He profited Avonderfully by the advantages of Van Veen's instruc tion. In 1599 he was received Master in the Brotherhood of St. Luke, called the Chamber of Painters in Antwerp." Othon Van ATeen knowing his pupil's great wish to visit Italy, and anxious to procure for him every advantage in his travels, presented Rubens to the Archduke Albert- and' his wife the Infanta Isabella. He requested their protection aud letters of recommendation, and on the 29th April [9th May, neAv style], 1600, in his twenty-third year, took leave of Van Veen, with Avhom he had studied three years,7 and left AntAverp for Italy.8 His first resting place was Venice, where he occupied himself in studying the Avorks of Titian, Paul Veronese, and other great masters, and in making copies from some of their best pictures. In the midst of these studies a gentleman from the court of Vincent II. de Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, avIio lodged in the same house Avith Rubens, saw, and was so struck with these pictures that, through his representation, the Grand Duke offered to attach Rubens to his court, and upon presenting his letters of recommen dation from the Archduke Albert, he appointed him Gentleman of the Chamber and Court Painter. Sandrart says that the Arch duke sent Rubens to the Duke, Avho received him faArourably, and took him into his service, in which he remained seven years.3 In 1605 the Duke of Mantua sent him on a mission to Philip III., King of Spain, with rich presents for the Duke of Lerma, one of that King's principal- favourites. While at Madrid he painted a Isabella for his personal qualities and talents, but also on account of his noble birth, being descended from John Van Veen, called "Is petit Batard," natural son of John III., Duke of Brabant. He was superintendent of the finances of his Catholic Majesty in the Netherlands, and died at Brussels, April 26, 1634, aged 78.— MS. Notes by M. Mols ; Descamps, torn. i. pp. 223-225. See Appendix B. 5 Mat tre dans la Confrerie de St. Luc. — M. Mols, MS. Note in Descamps i. p. 298. 7 M. Mols, MS. Note in Descamps i. p. 228. " Mrs. Jameson, in " AVaagen's Peter Paul Rubens, hi3 Life and Genius," p. 7, says, quoting from Descamps, i. p. 323, that Eubens painted the "Adoration of the Three Kings" previous to the commencement of his Italian journey. But M. Mols, in a MS. note, savs this "Adoration des Rois " is not by Eubens, but by 'Van Dalen, Avho has been confounded with H. Van Balen. Henry Van Balen and Sebastien Vranekz (see note 59, p. 2-3) were the two fellow pupils of Eubens Avhen he was with Adam Van Noort. (Smith's Catalog. Baison., vol. ii. p. 14.) 9 Eubens, in a postscript to a letter of 31st July, 1630, [p. 103] says he is extremely grieved at the most sad news of the City of Mantua having been taken by the Imperialists, from having served the House of Gonzaga many years. Vincent II. de Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, died iu 1627. b 2 4 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. number of portraits of the Spanish nobihty, and many historical pictures for which he received large sums of money. On his return to Mantua, Rubens persuaded the Duke to allow him to visit Rome," to which he consented, at the same time, charging him to make copies for him of the finest pictures. He copied the principal paintings of the great masters, and at the request of the Archduke Albert painted three pictures for the chapel of St. Helena, Avhich the Archduke was then- repairing in the church of Santa Croce della Gerusalemme." After remaining some time at Rome Rubens proceeded to Florence, but the Grand Duke hearing everywhere of his great renown, begged him to return to Mantua, and at his first audience requested him to paint his OAvn portrait, to be placed in the public gallery of the city, among the portraits of the greatest painters of the Avorld.'3 It was during his stay at Florence he took pleasure in examining the antique statues, Avhich he there found in endless variety. Before leaving his Court the Grand Didce presented Rubens Avith a gold chain, with his portrait attached, and many other presents of great value.'5 He then again Avent to Venice, Avhere he remained longer than on his first visit, and completed his studies of the Great Masters there. From thence he passed to Rome; on his arrival, the Pope requested him to paint a picture for his Oratoiy of Monte Cavallo," and cardinals 10 Descamps, torn, i, p. 300, says, the Duke sent Rubens to Rome to copy pictures from the great masters ; but Michel, in his " Histoire de la vie de P. P. Rubens," p. 31, that Rubens persuaded the Duke to let him go, consenting to his departure with regret, which is most probably correct. 11 The subjects of the three pictures painted for the Archduke Albert to adorn the church of Santa Croce della Gerusalemme, at Rome,— the Prince having borne the title of Cardinal of that chureh previous to his marriage with Isabella, — ivere, " St. Helena discovering the real Cross," " Christ Crowned with Thorns," and " The Crucifixion." They were brought to England in 1811, and sold by auction the following year. The Crucifixion, afterwards sold by Mr. AVoodbnrn to Count AVoronzow, and sent to St. Peters- burgh, was unhappily lost at sea. (AVaagen's P. P. Rubens, ed. by Mrs. Jameson, p. 10.) 12 It has been the cnstom for upwards of two centnries to place the portrait of every distinguished painter, done by his own hand, in thi3 gallery. (Smith's Cat. Rais. torn. ii. p. 20.) H Eubens, during his residence at Mantua, was so pleased with the triumph of Julius Ceesar, by A ndrea Mantegna, no w at Hampton Court, but at that time in the Mantuan Gallery (see Appendix H), that he made a free copy of one of the nine pictures. This sketch was in the possession of Ruben3 at his death. It subsequently became the property of the late Samuel Rogers, at the sale of whose pictures in 1856 it was pur chased for the National Gallery for 1 050 Guineas. 14 The subject was, "The Virgin Mother accompanied by St. Anne, adoring the Infant Jesus." Alfred Michiels, pp. 92-3, describes thirty-two pictures, painted by Rubens, between the age of 23 and 31, while in Italy, viz., five at Florence, twenty-three at Rome, two at Milan, and two at Genoa; besides many -others which he doubtless painted for the Duke of Mantua. PAPERS RELATING TO EUBENS. 5 and princes were eager to ornament their galleries aud cabinets with pictures from his hand. During his second stay at Rome, he resolved, after a seven years' residence in Italy, to visit Milan, where' he remained some httle time and painted the famous Lord's Supper of Leonardo da Vinci. From Milan he went to Genoa, where he was received Avith the most flattering distinction, by the nobihty and the first merchants. His cordial reception, the beauty of the city, and the mildness of the climate, which agreed with him better than any other part of Italy, induced him to prolong his stay. He painted for the Church of the Jesuits, " The Circumcision of Jesus Christ," and " St. Ignatius healing the sick and crippled," which the Genoese assert ought to be regarded as the chef d'omvre of the artist. It was at Genoa he undertook to make drawings and plans of the most beautiful palaces of the city, which collection was subsequently engraved at AntAverp.13 His various studies were most painfully interrupted in the beginning of November, 1608, by neAvs that his mother was dangerously ill ; he hastened to Antwerp, but did not reach home in time to see her alive. She died on the 19th October,1" and he did not arrive there until November. Overwhelmed with grief, he retired to the Abbey of St. Michael of Antwerp, Avhere, in the deepest seclusion, Avith nothing but his pencil and a few chosen books to console him, he remained four months. After raising a tomb to the memory of his mother, the epitaph to Avhich he composed himself, he determined on returning to Mantua, but the Archduke, and his wife Isabella, would not hear of his leaving Flanders ; they sent for him to attend the Court at Brussels, gave him a considerable pension, and appointed him Court painter.17 On the 13th of October, 1609, Rubens Avas married in the Abbey 15 The title was "Palazzi antichi di Genova, raccolti e designati da Pietro Paolo Eubens; in Anversa appresso Giacomo Meursio, anno 1613." The work appeared in two books, one of 72 plates, the other of 67 plates. 10 Alf. Michiels says she died on the 14th November, but the following translation of the Latin epitaph which Eubens composed himself, Avill show that her death took place the 14th of the calends of November, which is the 19lh of October: "To the very prudent and excellent lady Maria Pypelincx, who iras united in matrimony to John Eubens, Juris-consult of A ntwerp, and being bereft of him, sacredly cherished her widowhood for twenty-two years, to the clay of her death. Philip and Peter Paul Rubens, Avith her Grand-children and her Daughter Blandina, erected this monument to their pious Mother of blessed Memory. She lived 70 years, 6 montli3, 29 day3, and died the 14th of the calends of November, in the Year 1608." 17 The Letters Patentare dated 23rd Sept. 1609 [N.S.] " Particularites et documents inedits sur Rubens, par Gachard [Braxelles, 1842}," lvho says that Michel, and other C PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. Chm-ch of St. Michael, to Isabella Brant,18 daughter of John Brant, and niece to his eldest brother Philip's wife," Maria, de Moy, and they took up their residence with his father-in -laAV. The Archduke stood sponsor to their first child, and gave him his own name, Albert. In 1610 " he built a princely house at Antwerp, in the Italian style, after designs of his own. Between the court and a large warden, in which he cultivated the rarest flowers and trees, he constructed a rotunda, lighted from a cupola above, similar to the Pantheon at Rome, in Avhich he arranged a choice collection of antique statues, busts, bas-reliefs, medals, onyx, agates, and pictures of the great masters which he had amassed in Italy. biographers after him, affirm that at this period the Archduke appointed him cham berlain, and Michel says that heAvas created Councillor of State, but this could not be, for Rubens Avas not of noble birth, and the dignity of Councillor of State was reserved for the most eminent men, as the Prince of Orange, the Duke of Arschot, &e. &c. !3 The entry of thi3 marriage will be found in the special register of St. Andrew's Church, on Avhich the Monastery of St. Michael was dependent : — "A.D. 1609, cUe 13 Octobris, St. Petrus Pauwels Rubens Jofi* Isabella Brant " Solemnisatum in ecclesft d. Michaelis." Alf. Michiels, p. 568. Descamps, Fclibien, Michel, AYalpole, call her Elizabeth. 19 The following is a translation of the Latin epitaph written by Peter Paul Eubens on his brother Philip's tomb: "To Philip Rubens, Juris-consult, son of John, Citizen. and Senator of Antwerp, the disciple and pupil of the great Lipsius, to Avhose learning having almost attained, he happily equalled his modesty, at Brussels under the Presi dent liichardot, at Eome under Ascanins the Cardinal of Colonna. From his letters and studies, and from the Secretaryship of the Senate and people of Antwerp, he departed rather than died, surviving in his reputation and writings, the 5th of the calends of Sept. [2Sth August] 1619, in the 39th year of his age. Maria de Moy, Mother of his two children Clara and Philip, piously erected this sepulchral monu ment of her grief and love to her Avell-deserving husband and to his Mother Maria Pypeliucx. Good Stranger, lift up your hands in fervent prayer and contemplate. He has gone before : shortly I must follow." i0 Vie de Eubens, by Philip, his nephew. Michel and all subsequent biographers are therefore in error when they say Rubens built a house before he Avas married. In preparing the foundations of his new house, Rubens had unknoivingly trespassed on a piece of ground belonging to the company of Arquebussiers, at Antwerp. A lawsuit Avas threatened, and Rubens, with all the vivacity of his nature prepared measures of resistance, but when his friend Rockox, one of the greatest hvwyers of the city, had proved to him that the right lay not ivith him, he immediately dreiv back, and offered to paint a picture by way of compensation, to be placed in the chapel of St. Christopher, in the Cathedral. This wa.=s the origin of the celebrated "Descent from the Cross." The agreement that he entered into with the company of Arquebussier3- is dated the 7th Sept., 1611.— AA'aagen's Rubens, ed. by Mrs. Jameson, p. 22 ; Rubens et l'ocole d'Anvers, p. 103. According to Houbraken, the building of this house cost him 60,000 florins. PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. 7 Being thus established according to his taste, he apportioned his time in the folloAving manner : — He rose early ; in summer at four o'clock, and immediately after- Avards heard mass. He then went to Avork, and Avhile painting habitually employed a person to read to him from one of the clas sical authors (his favourites being Livy, Plutarch, Cicero, Seneca) or from some eminent poet. At this time he generally received his visitors, with Avho.ni he entered willingly into conversation on a variety of topics, in the most animated and agreeable manner. An hour before dinnerwas always deA'oted to recreation, Avhich consisted either in alioAving his thoughts to dwell as they listed on subjects connected with science or politics, which latter interested him deeply, or in contemplating his treasures of art. From anxiety not to impair- the brilliant play of his fancy, he indulged but sparingly in the pleasures of the table, and drank but Httle wine. After working again till evening, he usually, if not prevented by business, mounted a spirited Andalusian horse, and rode for an hour or two. This Avas his faA-ourite exercise; he Avas extremely fond of horses, and his stables generally contained some of remark able beauty. On his return home it was his custom toreceive a few friends, piincipally men of learning or artists, Avith whom he shared his frugal meal (he was the declared enemy of all excess), and passed the evening in instructive and cheerful conver sation.2' He now began to enjoy his reputation and fortune in tran quillity. He Avas rapid in his designs, equally so in executing them, and could work for a long time together without affecting his health. All the towns of the Netherlands22 Avere disputing the honour of possessing some of his chefs d'ceiivres ,- the cities of Italy also showed the same eagerness. Genoa, Bologna, and Milan obtained through favour a very small number of his pictures, and they ranked among the marvels of Italy. Such an extraordinary reputation could not fail to attract envy; and Descamps0 relates that Janssens,2'1 Avho previously wras considered 21 Dr. AVaagen's P. P. Rubens, ed. by Mrs. Jameson, pp. 17, 18. " Descamps, torn. i. p. 303, says, "The Four Evangelists" of the Jacobins of Ant werp is by the'hand of Ruben3 ; but M. Mols, in a MS. note, states, he must mean " The Dispute upon the Holy Sacrament," for there is no picture of " The Four Evan gelists " in that- church. 23 Tom. i p. 304. 24 Abraham Janssens was a pupil of Jean Snellinck in 1585, "Mai tre" in 1602, and Avas received " Doyen de3 Matures Peintres " in 1607. Pie died in 1632, according to 8 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. one of the first artists in Flanders, had the temerity to challenge Rubens to a trial of their art. Rubens replied that he would accept the challenge, Avhen Janssens could prove by his works that he was able to compete with him. M. Mols, hoAvever, in a MS. note to Descamps says, that in spite of the reputation of the A-riters from whom M. Descamps has taken this anecdote, he beheves it to be untrue, the answer stated to have been given to Janssens being contrary to the disposition and character of Rubens. It was about this time that an English alchemist named BrendeP5 came to Rubens, and promised to divide with him the treasures of his art, if he Avould only construct a laboratory and pay some little necessary expenses. Rubens, after listening very attentively, took him to his studio : " You are come," he said, " twenty years too late, for it was then, with this palette and these brushes, that I found the philosopher's stone." M Having thus far given a sketch of the life of the great Flemish artist, I proceed to the original letters which I have found in the State Paper Office. The first is from Sir Dudley Carleton, in Holland, to his friend John Chamberlain, in London, and by its curious picture of Antwerp and the towns adjacent, forms an appropriate introduction to the correspondence which folloAvs. It is somewhat remarkable that Carleton makes no mention of having \isited Rubens, but he most probably did so at Antwerp, for by a letter from Toby Matthew, dated 29th September, 1616 (see p. 14), it will be- seen that he Avas then in negotiation with Rubens for a hunting-piece, according to Carleton's commission. the registers of the Academy of Painters at Antwerp. MS. note by M. Mols (Descamps, torn. i. p. 261), who also says, " It is a great loss to the public that he became jealous of Rubens and that he took such an aversion to his style of painting ; for, if Janssens had been able to join to the [f.ert$] boldness of his draiving the [suavite] sweetness and the [moelleur] softness of the pencil of his rival, accompanied with the judgment of chiaro-scuro [entente du claire obscur], I doubt very much if he would not only have equalled, but perhaps have surpassed him." 25 Descamps, torn. i. pp. 3034. In a note to AValpole's Anecdotes of Painting, &c, vol. ii. p. 172, " The alchemist who applied to Rubens was one Brondel, an unsuc- sessful painter— Graham." 26 Descamps, torn. i. p. 305. " For so long it is," said he, " since I found the art of making gold Avith my pallet and pencils." — AValpole ut sup. " My friend, you are come too late. Twenty years ago I might have been tempted to listen to your offer, but I am now in possession of the object of your researches," and showing his pencils, observed, " these have long since obtained the magic poiver of turning all they touch into gold." — Smith's Cat. Rais., p. 29. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. I. SIR DUDLEY CARLETON 27 TO JOHN CHAMBERLAIN." (Extract.) 5 Hagh, Sept. —, 1616. Goode Mr. Chamberlain : I left aa'"1 you at the Spaa the *| of the last, from Avhence we parted within tAvo or three dayes, taking the way of Mastricht, as Avell to avoyde an ill encounter Avch was threatned us at Liege (wdierof I Avrote unto you) as likeAvise to see a new towne and 27 Sir Dudley Carleton was born at Baldwin Brightwell, in Oxfordshire, on the 10th of March, 1573. He Avas educated at AA'estminster School and at Christ Church, Oxford. In April, 1598, he went to Ostend, in the suite of Sir Ed. Norris, governor there. He took his degree of M.A. at Oxford, on 12th July, 1600, aiSl then travelled ; was at the Hague in December, 1600, and at Paris in July, 1601. He Avas secretary in 1602 to Sir Thoma3 Parry, Ambassador in France, and was appointed secretary to the Earl of Northumberland about August, 1603. He sat for a Cornish borough in the first Parliament of King James I, was in Paris in November, 1C05, ivhen the Gunpowder Plot was discovered, but ordered home and put under arrest on suspicion of being concerned in it, through his connection with the Earl of Northumberland, and Avas not, in consequence, employed in any public capacity until five years afterwards. In the latter part of the year 1607 he married Anne, daughter of George Gerard, Esq, who died 18th April, 1627. (See her letters, Appendix D.) He was knighted in August, 1610, and succeeded Sir H. AVotton as Ambassador at Venice ; recalled on the 6th September, 1615, and arrived in London on the 11th December following. He then succeeded Sir Ealph AVinwood as Ambassador at the Hague, [his instructions were dated 6th January, 1615-6,] where he continued to reside until October, 1625. In the folloAving month he Avas- appointed Vice-Chamber lain, and immediately after sent cn a special mission to France, conjointly ivith the Earl of Holland ; on the 24th November a Avarrant was issued for £153-5, for the transportation of himself a3 Ambassador Extraordinary with the French King and his train, to and fro betAvixt Paris and London. In March, 1626, he was elected MP. for the borough of Hastings, and created Baron Imbercourt in Surrey, 21st May in the same year, to balance the Duke of Buckingham's enemies in the House of Lords. He Avas again sent Ambassador Extraordinary to France, in July, 1626, and to the Hague on the 27th May, 1627; his last letter from Brill is dated if May, 1628. During this negotiation he was in personal communication with Eubens (see letters of this date). King Charles I. created him Viscount Dorchester on 25th July, 1628, and Secretary of State on the 14th December following. He married a second time, in June, 1630, Anne, the daughter of Sir Hemy Glemham,. relict of Paul, Viscount Banning, who surviA'ed him. He died 15th February, 1631-2, and was buried on the 19th in AA'estminster Abbey. It will be seen by the correspondence in thi3 volume, that he was a great admirer of the Fine Arts; and that he purchased numerou3 pictures and statues, not only for himself but for others, of which he appears to have been considered a very good judge. 214 John Chamberlain was born in 1 552, and educated at Cambridge. He was of a good family and possessed a large fortune ; Avas the intimate friend of Sir Dudley Carle ton whom he accompanied to Venice in 1610, and with whom he kept up a regular correspondence for many years. On 30th July, 1613, Carleton writes to him from Venice " I shall have more of yr company then you thincke, having violently rob'd Tintoret of a picture of y™ he retained, Avch is (I assure you) a master piece." He died at an advanced age, as appears by a- letter from .Sec. Lord Dorchester to Sir Isaac AVake of the 15th October, 1 630, ivherein he says, "Mr. John Chamberlain, oAvr go'ode frend, Avho ia Avith God." 10 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. countrie ; avc1' are very ill matched, the towne being very poore and desolate, and the countrey both rich and pleasant. From thence we came the next day to St. Troine, Avhere by the Avay Ave were encountred wth a troope of the B. of Collens horse, who having made goode cheere in the towne whether Ave were going, and half drunck (as it seemed) came toAvards us w111 theyr pieces and petronels in theyr hands, after the manner of a charge to see, belike, yf they could make us afrayde, or by some disorder give them occasion of assayling and robbing us ; wch Ave the rather believe because by one I sent abowt an hower before they knew avIio Ave were, and lay in ambush for us in an open field behind a hill untill Ave came to a fitt distance for theyr bravado. But Sr Horace Vere23 and my self, whom they mett wth first, keeping on oaat way wthovrfe alteration, after some words they left us to owr Jomey. From St. Troine Ave came the next clay to Louvain, Avhere Mr. Trumbull30 mett us, and giving us to understand of the Archduke and Infantas absence from Bruxells we tooke that place in owr AAray ; where we dined av* Mr. Trumbull, and lodged that night at Machlen, whether he conducted us in companie of Mr. Toby MattheAv31 who foAvnd us at Louvain, or rather we him (for there is his residence), and left us not untill we came to Antwerp. At Louvain we saw nothing remarquable but the D. of Ascots chappel, an English mile distant from the toAvne, where those of that house have theyr monuments ; and it is a great raritie for a 23 Sir Horace Vere the youngest son of Geoffrey Vere, brother of John, sixteenth Earl of Oxford, was born at Kirby Hall, in Essex, in 1565, and served in the Low Countries with his brother, Sir Francis ; had a considerable share in the victory near Nieuport, anl in the defence of Ostend. He succeeded his brother in the government of the Brill, Avhich post he held until 1616. In 1620 he Avas appointed commander of the forces sent by King Jaraes I. to the assistance of the King of Bohemia, on which occa sion he effected a memorable retreat from the Spanish General, Spignola. He was the first person raised to the peerage by Charles I. There is a dooquet in the State Paper Office, dated 18th July, 102.5, for a charter of creation for Sir Horace Vere to be Baron Vere of Tilbury, iu co. Essex, entailing the said honour upon him and his heirs male of bis body. Pie was Master of the Ordnance in 1629, and died 2nd May, 1635, aged 70, when the title became extinct. SJ William Trumbull served under Sir Thos. Edmondes, from 1597, in the Council Chamber " without fee or reward ; " was appointed, in 1605, " agent of King James J., resident at Brussels," and returned to England on 17th October, 1625. There are warrants to AVilliam Trumbull, gentleman, for payment of 20,3. per day, as H. M. agent Avith the Archduke of Austria, and it appears by a " Grant unto Thos. Meautys, Esq., for his life of the ofhce of Miuter-Master-General of England," on 26th March, 1636, that "AVil. Trumbull, Esq., deceased, late held the same." — Ori°-. Papers, S. P. O. 31 Toby Matthew was banished the Court of King James I. (see Appendix I.), and seems from his letter to have acted at this period as an- agent for Sir D. Carleton in the exchange of pictures from Buben3. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 11 familie under the condition of absolute Princes. At Bruxells Ave had the full sight of the Court, "where the hall and chappell are exceeding faire, and the parke wftin the Avails of a toAvne is a singularitie ; the grotte and gardens very perfect and pleasnut ; the Avhole house and furniture rather comodious then sutable to the pallace of a Prince. - The seat of the towne was all Ave could consider in so short time, wch is the most pleasant that I have seene any where. The English Nuhnes tooke it unkindly to be left unvisited, Avho take themselfs to be such pretious peeces (and so are sett OAvt and magnified by OAvr English Catholiques> whereof there Ave fownd many) that they thinck they should not have ben so slighted ; but we had nether time nor much desire to use that ceremonie. Machlen both for the waves and gardens neere it, and the fayrenes of streetes and buildings was absolutely the best towne we saw in Brabant, untill we came to Antwerp, wch I must confesse exceedes any I ever saAv any where else, for the bewtie and uniformitie of buildings, heith and largenes of streetes, and strength and fairenes of the rampars. We stayed there (as in all other places), one night onely, having an afternoone and a morning to see the towne, Avck we performed in frends coches, Avherby to give our owne rest, and left nothing of moment unseene.32 But I must tell you the state of this towne in a Avord, so as you take it literally, magna ci\itas magna solitudo, for in yc Avhole time Ave spent there I could never sett my eyes in the Avhole length of a streete uppon 40 persons at once : I never mett coach nor saw man on horseback : none of owr companie (though both Avere worlde dayes) saAv one pennie worth of Avare ether in shops or in streetes bought or solcle. Two walking pedlers and one ballad-seller will carrie as much on theyr backs at once as was in that royall exchange ether above or beloAv. The English house is filled wth schoole-boyes under the Jesuits discipline, and the Esterlings33 stands emptie. In many places grasse growes in the streetes, yet (that Avch is rare in such solitarines) the buildings are all kept in perfect reparation. Theyr condition is much worse (Avch may seeme strange) since the truce then it was before ; and the whole countrey of Brabant Was suitable to this towne; splendida paupertas, faire and miserable. "VVe 32 Is it not most probable he visited Rubens. 33 The Esterlingers were a company of merchant adventurers who traded to the eastern parts, aud it is probable the Esterlings was their hall, or place of business. 12 PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. soone fowncl the contrarie qualities in the first step Ave made into the territorie of this State, wch is rich and unpleasant. And this Ave imputed rather to the nature of the goverment then of the soyle (for Brabant was never accounted poore) and therof observed this manifest reason, that it proceeded of the qualitie rather of the stranger-soldier then the inhabitant ; in that on that side the soldier is a master over the state (the Spaniard, I meane), on this side (of Avhat nation soever) a servant. At Breda (wch both for the towne and castle is a place Avorth the sight) Ave Avere both lodged and defrayed by the Governor, as we were at Guerten- bergh in owr going, and saw both the garrisons as Avell horse as foote in armes. At Gurcom and Turgoe (wch way we- returned to avoyde shipping of oaat horses) we had the like entertainment of the burgers, as Ave had likewise at Dort in oAvr going : but Roterdani makes profession of laying aside all such courtesie. * * * * * Y" most affectionatly, Dudley Carleton-. II. SIR D. CARLETON TO J. CHAMBERLAIN. (Extracts.) 4 Hugh, Oct. -, 1616. Goode Mr. Chamberlain- : I am noAV againe returned from a pettie progresse having taken the oportunitie of his Ex.™' absence and a Vacation of affaires to visit Harlem, Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Leyden, in avc1' jorney I spent six dayes, chusing rather to acquaiut my self av* these places in the beginning of my residence here, whereby the knowledge of them might be of some use, then (as many doe) at parting to finde talke when they come home. I fownd at Harlem a whole towne so nete and clenlie, and all things so regular and in that goode order, as yf it had ben all but one house. The painters were the chiefest curiositie; wherof there is one Cornelius34 for figures, who 34 Cornelius Cornelisss was born at Haerlem, in 1562, and from his youth gave such tokens of a genius for painting that he was placed Avith Peter le Long the younger, under whom he made a most rapid progress, and was surnamed Corneliu3 the Painter. On leaving his master, at the age of seventeen, whom he greatly surpassed, he would have gone to Italy, but at Rouen the plague prevented his proceeding further, and he was allured to AntAverp by the reputation of the great painter in that city. He placed himself with Francis Pourbus, (his true name, in Flemish, was Poyerbus, which signifies Powder-Box.— M. Mols. MS. note. Descamp3, i. p. 277,) and afterwards Avith Giles Coignet, where he remained a year, and by their instruc tion corrected his manner of painting, Avhich ivas raw and hard, and acquired a more PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. 13 doth excelle in colouring, but erres in proportions. Vrom3i hath a great name for representing of Ships and all things belonging to the sea ; wherin indeede he is very rare, as may appeare by the prises of his works, when a Burger of Alemar gave him for the fight Avch Greenfield made in the Revenge, £200 sterl, and his sonne for the Battaile of Lepanto (\vch is not aboAre a yard and a half long and a yard broad) doth demaund and stick hard at £120. Goltius36 is yet living, but not like to last OAvt an other winter ; and his art decayes ava his bodie. At Amsterdam I saAv many goode pieces but few goode painters ; that place being in this commoditie as in others, the ware-house rather then the worke-house. The plague groes hott there, wcb made my stay the lesse, yet I saiv the Avhole towne, and observed this difference from AntAverp, that there was a toAvne Avtbowt people and here a people as it were withowt a towne; such are the numbers of all nations, of all professions, and all religions there assembled, but for one busines onely of marchan- dise ; Theyr neAv toAvne goeth up a pace, Avch they make account will be finished and filled within the space of tAvo j?eares. At Utrecht I saw eleven companies of the K's subjects in arms, Avch Avas more then any towne in these 17 provinces can sheAV of one language, or I may Avell say any toAvne in Europe ; and they are all A'ery goode men. At Leyden I onely stayed a dining time having the comoditie' to see that place at leysure : and yet I must note as a singularitie the comon Inne Avhere we dined, wch hath divers roomes hung Avith tapistrie, and some furnished w* pictures of the best hands. ***** Y's most assuredly, D. Caeleton. soft and agreeable style. He painted a large picture representing the Deluge for the Earl of Leicester, in which the naked figures and their different ages are admirably expressed. His pictures, though numerous, ai-e difficult to be met with. He died in 1633, aged 76. — Descamps, torn. i. pp. 240-2. 36 Henry Cornelius Vroom, born at Harlem in 1566. His father was a statuary, but, dying Avhen young, his mother married a second time Cornelius Henricksen, a painter on china, who gave him instruction in painting. After travelling through Spain and Italy, and escaping shipwreck, he took to painting ships and vessels. He also painted the naval engagements between the English and Spanish fleets in 1588, and visited England, where he was well received. He died in 1619, aged 53.— Descamps, torn. i. p. 254. 36 Henry Goltzius was born at Mulbrecht in the duchy of Juliers, in 1558. His own geniu3 and application raised him to that considerable rank Avhich he held among the best artists of his time for painting and engraving. Though he did not 14 PAPERS RELATING TO EUBENS. III. 3'" TOBT MATTHEW TO SIR D. CARLETON.38 (Extract.) Kept 29 Brussels, -—'- — , 1616. May. it please your L1' : (A.J * *¦ * * * I Avas lately at AntAverpe to take leave of my Lady of Pembrooke,39 who departed thence tOAvardes England on the third of this moneth. Mr. Gage 10 and I dealt w* Rubens, for the peece of huntinge11 accordinge to your L^3 Commission ; savinge that betweene my receavinge of your Lpa former letter, avcU was at Lovaine, and my goinge to AntAverp, I had not the chaine of diainondes in my hand, for I had left it here in Brussells, so as Rubens saAve it not. But that importeth not much, for the very loAvest price, to wch av* much adoe Mr. Gage could drawe him, was fowerscore poundes sterling; w* he said not expressely he would take, but I thincke he will. Wee tell him of a chaine, and described it the best we could; but those thinges Avorke not upon him, and he will not meddle with it, but so farre forth as by the estimation of gouldsmithes and jeAvellers, it shall rise to his price. What it shall wante, he will expecte to be punctually made up in money ; and I must tell your Lp I 'meete av* noebodie of any condition, who will geve much above fifty poundes for the chaine. There have not yet beene stirringe any other chaines of diamondes, for Avch I might exchaunge yours ; so as it may please your Lp to coiuaunde Avhat begin to paint till he was above forty, it is incredible the number of pictures ho finished. He died at Haerlem, in 1617, aged 59. 37 See Appendix I. 33 Printed in the supplement to " Catalogue RaisonnS of the AVorks of the most eminent Dutch, Flemish, and French Painters," &c, by John Smith, pp. 234-5. The date i3, however, according to the new style. 39 Lady Mary, one of the three daughters and co-heirs of Gilbert Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, Avho died on the 8th May, 1616. She Avas married, in 1604,. to AVilliam Herbert, third Earl of Montgomery, a well-knoivn favourite of King James I, and " the most universally beloved and esteemed of any man of that age;" but, according to Lord Clarendon, the union Ava3 not a happy one. Her husband died in 1630; she survived him many years. 40 George Gage appears to have acted as an agent for Sir Dudley Carleton in the purchase, &c, of pictures. He was employed in several special missions by King James I. On the 10th October, 1621, Trumbull writes to Carleton, "The Dispen sation for or allyance w'" Spaine is pursued by Mr. George Gage, and Padre Maestro," also on 17th January, 1622-3, "Mr. Endymion Porter was redispatched [from Spain] towards England, and Mr. Gage sente forward towardes Italy." His credentials to Pope Gregory XV, to hasten the dispensation for the Spanish match, are dated, 30th September, 1622. 41 See p. 21, note 54. PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. 15 I shall doe, whether I shall sell the chaine as highe as I can and make good the reste to Reubens for his picture ; or Avhether I shall expecte yet a litle longer, to see if I can finde for myLadie, a chaine of Diamondes avc1' she will like better ; or els (Avithout medlinge either Avith the picture or the exchaimge) Avhether I shall embrace the firste good comodity of sendinge the chaine to her handes. ***** Your L1'3 humble and most affectionate servaunte, Tobie Matthew. IV. TOBY MATTHEW TO SIE D. CARLETON. (Extract.) Louvaine, Nov- — , 1616. Slay, it please your L : * * * * * Concerninge the chaine, there is noe possibility to accorde the difference betwene your Lp and Reubens ; especially considering that whereof I have written to my Lady about the litle wch wilbe geven for the chaine here ; but hoAvesoe ver, Mr. Gage, Avho is going to AntAverp Avithin these foAver or five dayes, will take it Avith him, together av* the instructions of your last letter, and see wmat can be done for you. * 9f. * -* * Your Lrs most humble and affectionate servaunt, Tobie Matthew. V. TOBY MATTHEAV TO SIR D. CARLETON.42 (Extract.) 20 Louvaine, Dec. --, 1616. Mat it please your Lp: * * » * * The reason of my writinge no sooner to your Lp about Mr Gage's . Treaty Avith Rubens Avas this. He came by Brussells where he staid long, but AA'ith dayly purpose of cominge hether, wtU made him forbeare to write, especially considering that Rubens did absolutely refuse his offer. To that absolute refusall peradventure 43 Printed in Supplement to Smith's " Catalogue RaisonnS of Painters," pp. 235-6. 16 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. Rubens Avas the more hastned, by reason that at the same time the Duke of Ariscott Avas in AntAverp, and in highe termes to buye the huntinge peece.43 Howe it hath succeeded I knowe not, but I rather thincke it is sold ; for as the painter esteemes it to be richly Avorth a hundred poundes in itself, so yet he wilbe glad of fowerscore, in regard of the errour Avch nowe lie acknoAvledgetli himself to have committed in makinge the picture so very bigge, that none but great Princes have houses iitt to hange it up in. But howsoever his resolute answere Avas, that Avhether the Duke of Ariscott bought it or no, he would not sell it a penye under fowerscore pound, Avhereof your chaine was nowe lastly valewed in AntAverp but at fiftye. Rubens for the gusto AVch he takes hi that peece of hunting, is makinge another picture of it, but much lesse. For whereas the great picture is eighteene foote long and betweene eleven and twelve foote highe, this other is but ten foote long and seaven foote highe."' This later picture if you hke to have for your chaine, you may ; and he undertakes to make it of as much perfection as the other, if not more; and if you hke the matche, Mr. Gage Avill see that he shall performe it. He hath already seene so much of it, as is done, and likes it exceedingly, and saith he had rather geve threescore pound for this, then foAverscore for the other, for besides that he assureth himself that this wilbe better finished, he saieth that the other picture is so bigge as that it cannot be hunge up in the house of lesse then a Prince. It may please your Lp to make Avhat resolution you like beste, and you see upon what reason I forbeare to sende your chaine till I have an answer hereunto. ***** Your Lps most affectionate, and most humble servaunt, Tobie Matthew. On Dec. 27, Toby Matthew Avrote again to Carleton, stating that he had no more to say concerning the chain until he heard again from his Lordship. 43 See Toby Matthew's letter of 14th April, 1617, p. 21, wherein he says, " The great peece of huntinge is sould and carried away for an hundred pound sterlinge." 44 In a "List of my (Sir D. Carleton's) Pictures, given the 1st September, 161S, to the King of Denmark's merchant," [see p. 46] the one I have numbered 6 is a hunting-piece, 8 feet high and 11 feet long, which 13 no doubt the same mentioned, here. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 17 VI. TOBY MATTHEW TO SIR D. CARLETON.45 (Extract.) Jon. 27 Louvaine, , 1616-7. Maie ir please your Lordship: ¦L I doubt will not be yett in 8 or 10 dayes, for that there is none yet lading. Mr. Trumbull hath sent me a pass from the finances that they shall pass free on this syde of all Gabells : and I will direct them to you, Avch I think is suffitient to free them at Lillo. * * * * * At yr lionno™ comandment, Ltonell Wake. [Inclo.mre.'] XV. G. GAGE TO SIR D. CARLETON." (Extract.) 13 Brussels, Aug.- - , 1617. ALay ir please your Lord : 23 To deale plainly and ingeniously Avith yr Lordship, I must con- 5'" Printed in Supplement to Smith's " Catalogue Raisonne" of Painters," p. 240. PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. 23 fesse that by my negligence it hath happened, that you have not receaved your Pictures almost a month since. For before my going to Dunkerch (Avhither I did accompany my frend Mr. Matthew) your pictures ivere finished, payed for, and encassed up in Mr. u ake's. house. The errour Avas, that at my departure out of Brussels, haAing many things to troble a. Aveake braine, I forgot to get by Mr. Trumbal a billet of free passage for those peeces, which only hath bin the cause of their stay. I hope their good- nesse will make some part of amends for this fault. I will not commend them, only I Avill tell yr Lordsp : concerning that of Sniers,58 ye I have bin wooed to let some have it for more money then it cost, and I doe assure voav that it hath bin esteemed by some very judicious workemen and gentelmen at a 100 croAvnes. Your Ls money hath bin thus reparted according to the best bargaines that I could make : Rubens had the cheyne never valued heere above £44 sterling, Bruegell had £14, Sniers £12, and Sebastian Franc59 £10. ****** Yr L. most humble servant, G. Gage. Understands he has received divers antique heads and statues out of Italy, — AAishes to know if they Avere bo' of Daniel Nice, shd much like to see them, especially if any Statues as large as life. — See Appendix C. 53 Francois Snyers, or Snyders, born at Antwerp in 1579, was a pupil of Henry Van Balen, and of Pierre Breughel, in 1593. He became " Maitre" in 1G03, and painted animals and fruits so exquisitely as almost to deceive beholders. Rubens was the first to ])raise and appreciate his talents, and he frequently employed him to paint fruits and animals in his own pictures. One of his paintings, representing a stag hunt, made his fortune. Philip III., king of Spain, having seen it, ordered him to paint several grand subjects for him. He died 1657, aged 73. — Descamps, torn. i. p. 330, Avith MS. notes, by M. Mols. 59 Sebastien A'ranckz — for so he wrote it himself — Avas of quite anotherfamily to the Francken (improperly written Franck), with which the Biographers have confounded him. It is true there was a Sebastien Francken, who was called the Younger, perhaps, to distinguish him from another Francken, or from Sebastien A'ranckz. The former was the son of Francois Francken the Elder, and his pupil. Aran Mander confounds him with the other artist, but later authora have no excuse for so doing, because Van Dyck painted the portrait of Sebastien Frankeu the Younger, engraved by Hondius, with the inscription below, "Sebastianu3 Francken, junior, humanarum figurarum minorum Pictor," Avhich should have sufficed to distinguish him from the other Sebastien, who was a painter of battles, aud Avho generally put his monogramme V upon the rump of a horse in his pictures. He was born at Antwerp in 1573, was received "Maitre" in 1601, and his name will be found on the list for 1612 of the "Doyens des Maitres-peintres" of Antwerp. — M. Mols, MS. note in Descamps, torn. i. p. 2S1. 24 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. XVI. G. GAGE TO SIR D. CARLETON.ro Oct. 22 Peronne, -r- — — , 1617. Mr Lordb : Nov- X I hope yT Lp will beare Avith ill inck and . paper, since I am forced to answeare your last out of an Inne in a vagare, that I am fetching for some few monthes into Spaign. I am exceeding glad your L. pictures came to your handes so well conditioned, Avhich I thought long till I heard, and I thinck it not amisse to put y' L. in minde of one thing concerning them, which is that yow keepe them not to long roled up (as often it happineth) before yoAv hang them up, for it Avould much prejudice the colors." The hunting peece of Rubens in my opinion is excellent,63 and perhaps preferable to the first, because Avhen a Master doth a thing the second time, lightly it is for the better. I imagin in your praise of the others, y1 L. excepteth this cum semper sit ex- cipimdiis. — Plato. The peece of Sniers (as I thinck I told you) was judged heere by skilful men worth 100 crowns. And Iioav- soever yow esteeme there your Jaques de Ghein,6' yet AVee preferre by much Brugel, because his thinges have neatnesse and force, and a morlidezza, which the other hath not, but is cutting and sharpe (to use painters phrases) and his things are to much ordered. I delivered to. Sigr Rubens what yT L. Avrightes to mee concerning yr heades and statuaes. Hee and I were both sorry that I had resolved on this jorney, els Avee would both haAfe Aisited yr Lord- 60 Part printed in Supplement to Smith's " Catalogue RaisonnS of Painters," pp. 2-10-1. 01 See Gerbier's Letter to Rubens, of -?T Sept., 1635, who allude3 to the great injury done to the pictures for the Banquetting House at AVhitehall, "through being rolled up almost a whole year." e'2 This is no doubt the picture measuring 11 feet by 8 feet [Numbered 6], described in Carleton's List of Pictures, 1st Sept., 1618, and the "first" here alluded to is most probably the one in the possession of the King of Bavaria. 69 Jacques de Gheyn Avas born at Antwerp, in 1565, and was an admirable painter upon glass. Ho died about the age of 50 (Descamps, torn. i. p. 249) ; but a MS. note by M. Mols states that " Jacques Van de Gheyn was received 'Mattre ' in 155S, as a painter upon glass, according to the Register of the Academy of Painters at Antwerp ; and it is therefore probable that this Jacques de Gheyn is another artist of the same name ; or rather the father of Jacques, who might have been born in 1565 ; but no other artist of this name and profession appears on the registers." Pilkington, in his " Dictionary of Painters," describes James Gheyn as the son of James Gheyn, an eminent engraver, at Antwerp, of Avhich city he was a native. He studied at first under his father, after which he went to Italy, where he had Tempeata for his, instructor. He painted landscapes and flowers, and died in 1630. He also practised engraving Avith reputation. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 25 ship. That which can bee donne is, that at my returne (which I shall bee by the grace of God in the Spring) wee will goe together to Avait upon yoAv, and I doubt not but there will bee contentment given and received on both sides. But, if by any occasion yr Ld shoidd bee removed from that place before the Sommer Sigr Rubens entreateth yc L. to cause him to bee certified in a Avorde therof, and hee will not faile himself alone to wait on you. Thus beseeching y' L. to command mee Avith all freedome whersoever I shall bee in any thing that shall occurre for yr service, Avith my humble service to my good Lady, I rest Yrr Lordship's most humble servant, G. Gage. [Translated from the Latin.] XVII. SAVERT u TO CAMDEN.63 Feb 28 Antwerp, ' 1617-3. Dear Caaides: March 10 I haate received your letters on our common business, and return you my undying thanks < I do not now ansAver yours, money matters preventing. I send [a book entitled] Europa Rediviva [Europe Revived], the author of AA-hich is our friend Scrieckius; at page 59 you will find the name of Camden, also The Historical Encomium of Henry IV., King of the French, and an Ode on his Statue, Avhich I received from the author. You will also see the opinion of Peter Paul Rubens, the Antiquary and Apelles of our time, upon the Statue of Isis. Farewell. I do not write more : at another time, further. [Inchsure.] [Translated from the Latin, which see in Appendix A, No. 1.] XVIII. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO F. SWERT. My dear Mr. Swebi: [Antwerp, Feb. 1617-8.] To confess the truth, I have never been able clearly to per ceive the Isis of our Avorthy friend Mr. Camden, nor indeed from a figure so rude (I ask the Artist's pardon) have I been able 64 Francis Swert, a celebrated Flemish Historian and Antiquary, was born in 1567, and died in 1629. 6S The Originals are in the British Museum. Cott. MS. Julius 0. V. fol. 2-10-1. 26 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. to form a probable conjecture. As for the heifer, unless her existence be credited on the faith of Mr. Camden, I should say she Avere something else, as the shape, proportions, gait, and pose, wonderfully contradict the properties of an animal of her class. Apis, Avho is almost always represented in ancient marbles,- at least as often as I have observed, either by the side of Isis or of Egyptus himself, includes the proper stature of an ox almost full- groAvn ; his side, furthermore, is symbolized by its peculiar mark of a moon more than half-full ; also, he has the horns and other characteristics of an ox ; but what girl has ever fondled a cow instead of a lap dog, and has nursed it in her lap ? With regard to the garland and fillet very usual to Isis, and indeed, her inseparable accompaniment, here does not appear at all, for, unless I am deceived, no one ever saw her painted or designed Avithout a sistrum, Avhich is her distinctive mark. But lest I should say nothing, although I would not venture to affirm anything for certain hi a matter so obscure, I will observe, — If this animal be an heifer, I should suspect it to be for some voav for good harvests, according to that verse, — Thou shalt make a sacrifice for good harvests with an heifer; this being received as the interpretation, as tlie patera (boAvI) bearing corn would lead us to suppose ; and the drinking vase in the other hand, entirely different from the urns of rivers, both in the volume of its waters and in its shape, for they poured in their sacred festivals libations. As the lanfera (laurel) crowns appropriated to sacred rites were made of fioAvers, leaves, gold, or any other material, as we may learn from many examples. Good sh-, reckon this nothing to the matter in hand, but for my affairs abundantly sufficient, which call me hence away. The inquiry concerning Isis we must leave entire and unaltered. Farewell, and continue to love me always. Altogether your's Peter Paul Rubens. The tAvelve folloiving letters, from Rubens to Carleton, and from Carleton to Rubens (March to May, 1618), Mr. Carpenter has printed in a volume containing Pictorial Notices of Van Dyck and other Painters patronised by Charles I., and I am under great PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS 27 obligations to that gentleman, for alloAving me to copy his transla tions, which are here reprinted : the letters are exceedingly in teresting, but it will be seen that I have found others Avhich tend to complete the history of this transaction. It appears by Gage's letter dated2'2nd October, 1G17 (ante, p. 24), that he delivered a mes sage to Rubens from Carleton, concerning his heads and statues, Avhich seems to have led to this negotiation. (See Appendix C.) [Translated from the Italian.] XIX. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR DUDLEY CARLETON. 7 Antwerp, March — , 1617-8. Most Excellent SrR : 17 Having heard from many persons of the rarity of the antiques which Y. E. has collected together, I longed to come to see them, in company Avith your countryman, Mr. George Gage, but on account of the departure of that gentleman towards Spain, and in consequence of the pressure of my business, this idea has been given up. Still, Y. E. having expressed to Mr. Gage that you would determine on making some exchange with me of those marbles for pictures by my hand, I, as being fond of antiques, would readily be disposed to accept any reasonable offer, should Y. E. continue in the same mind; but I cannot fancy a better expedient to arrive at some negotiation than by means of the bearer of this letter, to whom Y. E. being Avilling to show your collection, and permitting him to take an inventory, so that he may be able to give me an account of it, I Avill also send you a list of those Avorks that I have at home ; or, should they be done on purpose, such pictures as would be more to Y. E.'s taste. In short, one could begin to form some negotiation that would be well for both parties. This gentleman is called Francis Pieterssen de Grebbel, a native and an inhabitant of Harlem, — an honourable and respectable person, on Avhose sincerity we may place the greatest confidence. With this I commend myself ivith all my heart to Y. E.'s good graces, and pray heaven to grant you happiness and content. From Y. E.'s most humble servant, Peter Paul Rubens. To the Most Excellent Lord, and my most respected patron, Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador of the King of Great Britain at the Hague. 23 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. [Translated from the Italian. Indorsed by Carleton, " From Mr. Rubens, the 28(A of April, 161S, rec4 the 6th of May, 1618, an" the Sth."] XX. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR DUDLEY CARLETON. id Antwerp, April — , 1618. Most Excellent Sir: 8 By the advice of my agent, I have learnt that Y. E. is much inclined to make some bargain with me about your antiques ; and it has made me hope Avell of this business, to see that you go earnestly about it, having named to him the exact price that they cost you : in regard to this, I wish Avholly to confide on your knightly word. I am also Avillmg to believe you purchased them Avith perfect judgment and prudence ; although persons of distinction are wont usually, in buying and selling, to have some disadvantage, because many persons are willing to calculate the price of the goods by the rank of the purchaser, to Avliich manner of proceed ing I am most averse. Y. E. may be Avell assured I shall put prices on my pictures, such as I should do were I treating for their sale in ready money ; and in this I beg you will be pleased to confide on the wrord of an honest man. I have at present in my house the very floAver of my pictorial stock, particularly some pictures which I have retained for my OAvn enjoyment ; nay, I have some re-purchased for more than I had sold them to others; but the whole shall be at the service of Y. E., because brief negotia tions please me ; each party giving and receiving his property at once ; and, to speak the truth, I am so overwhelmed with works and commissions, both public and private, that for some years I cannot dispose of myself: nevertheless, in case we shall agree, as I anticipate, I Avill not fail to finish as soon as possible all those pictures that are not yet entirely completed, though named in the herewith annexed list, and those that are finished I would send immediately to Y. E. In short, if Y. E. will make up your mind to place the same reliance in me that I do in you, the thing is done. I am content to give Y. E. of the pictures by my hand, enumerated below, to the value of six thousand, florins, of the price current in ready money, for the Avhole of those antiques that are in Y. E. house, of which I have not yet seen the list, nor do I even know the number, but in everything I trust your word. Those pictures which are finished I will consign immediately to Y. E., and for the others that remain in my hand to finish, I will PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 29 name good security to Y. E., and will finish them as soon as possible. Meanwhile I submit myself to Avhatever Y. E. shall conclude with Mr. Francis Pieterssen, my agent, and will await your determination, with recommending myself, in all sincerity, to the good graces of Y. E., and Avith reverence I kiss your hands. From Your Excellency's most affectionate servant, Petes Paul Rubens. To the most excellent, most esteemed, Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador of the most serene King of Great Britain to the States of the United Provinces, at the Hague. 66 LIST OF PICTURES WHICH ARE IN MY HOUSE. 500 florins. 1. A Prometheus bound on Mount Cau casus, with an Eagle which pecks his liver. Original, by my hand, and the feat. Eagle done by Snyders. 600 florins. 2. Daniel amidst many Lions, taken from the life. Original, the Avhole by " my hand.67 600 florins. 3. Leopards, taken from the life, with Satyrs and Nymphs. Original, by my hand, except a most beautiful Land- — scape, done by the hand of a master skilful in that department. 66 The Pictures which I have numbered Avill be found the same a3 those described by Carleton, in a "List of my Pictures given to the King of Denmark's merchant," 1st Sept., 1618. See pp. 45, 46. 67 This picture was presented by Sir Dudley Carleton to Charles I., and is inserted in the printed catalogue of his collection at page 87 : — " Done by Sir Peter Paul Rubens. No. 14. " Item. A piece of Daniel in the Lions' Den, with Lions about him, given by the deceased Lord Dorchester to the King, so big as the life, in a black gilded frame." The picture ia now the property of Hi3 Grace the Duke of Hamilton, and is at his palace in Scotland. — Carpenter's Pictorial Notices of Vandyk. See Rubens' letter of 3rd September, 1621 (p. 60), inwhich it will be seen that he had almost finished a large picture representing a Hunt of Lions, Avhich was ordered by Lord Digby for the Marqui3 of Hamilton. 12 30 TAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 500 florins. 4. A Leda, with Swan and a Cupid. Original, by my hand. 500 florins. Crucifixion, large as life, esteemed perhaps the best thing I have ever done. 1200 florins. A Last Judgment, begun by one of my scholars, after one which I did in a much larger form for the most serene Prince of Neuberg, who paid me three thousand five hundred florins cash for it ; but this, not being finished, would be entirely retouched by my own hand, and by this means will pass as original. 500 florins. 5. St. Peter taking from the fish the money to pay the tribute, Avith other fishermen around ; taken from the life. Original, by my hand. 600 florins. 6. A Hunt of men on horseback and Lions, commenced by one of my pupils, after one that I made for His most Serene, of Bavaria, but all retouched by my hand.08 50 florins The Twelve Apostles, with a Christ, done each. by my scholars, from originals by my own hand, which the Duke of Lerma — has, each having to be retouched by my hand throughout. 63 Smith, in his Catalogue RaisonnS of the Works of Rubena, at No. 250, describes a duplicate of the King of Bavaria's picture of this subject, as being in the Dresden Gallery.-— Carpenter. See " List of my Pictures," indorsed by Carleton, 1st Sept. 161S, p. 46. PAPERS RELATING. TO RUBENS'. 31 600 florins. A picture of an Achilles clothed as a Avoman, done by the best of my scholars, and the whole retouched by my haud, a most brilliant picture, and full of many beautiful young Girls.63 300 florins. 8. A St. Sebastian, naked, by my hand.™ 300 florins. 9. A Susanna, done by one of my scholars, the whole, however, retouched by my hand." [Translated from the Original Draft in Italian, written by Carleton, who has indorsed it " To Rubens if 8th of May, 1618."] XXI. SIR DUDLEY CARLETON TO PETER PAUL RUBENS. Ha9ue,A^, 161$, My VERY ILLUSTRIOUS AND 3IOST kisd Sir : y ' I received the day before yesterday your most agreeable letter of the 28th April, in conformity with your preceding one of the 17th of March, concerning my marbles, and instantly reflecting in the presence of the bearer of it, on the list of your pictures an nexed, I made choice of some, but having since very maturely considered what they were, I find that the Crucifixion is too large for these low buildings, and those also of England, and in lieu of it, I will accept (if you like) the St. Sebastian. I do not dispute the prices of them, esteeming them reasonable, since they are not copies, nor the work of scholars, but all from your hand, just as the whole of my antiques show the hand of the master. It Avouldbe very agreeable to me, if you, Sir, Avould take the trouble of coming into these parts (Avhere my house is yours) before pro- 69 Lord Alford possessed a picture by Rubens of this subject, bat of much smaller dimensions than those "stated above. — Ibid. 70 Mr. Yates, of Bond Street, has a St. Sebastian by Rubens, the dimensions differing very little from those given above. — Ibid. 71 A picture of this subject, by Rubens, and of nearly these proportions, Avas in the Houghton Collection, which is now in Petersburgh.— Ibid. 82 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. ceeding any further in the transaction, not to buy, as one is Avont to say, the cat in the bag ; but yom* affairs not permitting this, and all things proceeding with the exchange, you, Sh', may calcu late on having in this collection of marbles, the most costly and most precious in hoc genere, which no prince or private person, whoever he may be, on this side the mountains can have. But to persons who are always in motion, as my situation obliges me to be, a thing of so much weight is not convenient, and then (to confess all) homo sum humani nihil a me alienu puto ; sometimes people change their minds, and mine has shifted within a short time from sculptors to painters, but more particularly to Mr. Rubens." Now, to adjust our account and to shorten the business, the number of pictures by your hand not sufficing, the whole of which (i. e., the Prometheus, the Daniel, the Leda, the Crucifixion, St. Peter, and St. Sebastian) do not come to the price'2 3500 florins, I have proposed a mode to agent Francis Pieterssen, to cuvide . . . . . that is to say, half pictures and half tapestry of Brussels manufacture, letting alone (as before mentioned) the Crucifixion. You, Sir, thinking Avell of this proposal, it Avill be the work of feAV days, and such is necessary for the perfect satisfaction of both parties, you wishing despatch, and I being obliged to make a journey into England, towards the end of the present month. I send you, Sir, enclosed a letter ad dressed to the person Avho acts as Agent for the King my master, at Brussels, and send it open with a loose seal, to the end, that should circumstances require it, you may accommodate yourself to the contents. I also write to a certain English Merchant residing in Antwerp, to be informed as to the tapestries which may be found there ready finished, agreeable to my measure and taste, taking this precaution to gain time, and these letters not being for any other object, it is unnecessary to deliver them at all, if it does not please you. From this place I will arrange so (should it be necessary) . . ¦ passage will be as much for the one as the other, and to avoid the inconvenience in other instances, it is well that all be done promptly. As to the rest, remitting myself to Mr. Francis. With much affection, Sir, I kiss your hands. From your most affectionate at command, Dudley Carleton. 72 The words wanting in the spaces are torn away in the original draft. PAPERS RELATING TO RE BENS. 33 [Translated from the Italian, indorsed by Carleton " From Mr. Eubens, if l'2th of May, 1618."] XXII. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR DUDLEY CARLETON. 2 Antwerp, May—, 16 IS. Most Excellent Sir : Your very agreeable letter of the 8th instant reached me yes terday evening, by which I pereeive Y. E. to have in part changed your mind, wishing pictures for the half only of the price marbles, and for the other half tapestries .... ready money, because I shall not find these, non mediantibus illis, and this appears to proceed from the want of pictures on my List, haAing taken only the Originals, with which I am perfectly content ; yet Y. E. must not think that the others are mere copies, but so well retouched by my hand that with difficulty they would be distin guished from originals, notAvithstanding wliich they are put down at a much lower price : but I am unwilling to persuade Y. E. to this by fine words, because persisting in your first opinion I could still furnish until .... of pure originals, but in order to treat .... I imagine that not . . . such a quantity of pictures. The reason ... I would treat more willingly in pictures is clear, because they do not exceed their just price in the list, nevertheless they cost me nothing, as every one is more prodigal of the fruits Avhich they grow in their own garden, than of those that they buy in the mai'ket ; and I have expended this year some thousands of florins on my buildings, nor am I willing for a caprice to exceed the bounds of a good economist. In fact, I am not a prince, sed qui manducat laborem manuum suarum. I wish to infer that if Y. E. wishes to have pictures to the full amount, be they originals, or be they well re-touched copies (which show more for their price) I would treat you liberally, and am always Avilling to refer the price to the arbitration of any intelligent person. If however you resolve on having some tapestries, I am content to give you tapestries to your satisfaction to the amount of two thousand florins and four thousand florins in pictures; that is, three thousand florins for the originals chosen by you, namely, the Pro metheus, the Daniel, the Leopards, the Leda, the St. Peter, the St. Sebastian, and for the remaining thousand florins you can choose from the other pictures comprised in our list ; and in truth I pledge myself to give you such originals by my hand 34 PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. for that sum as shall be deemed satisfactory by you, and if you will believe me you will take that Hunt which is on the list, which I will make of equal excellence Avith that which Y. E. had by my hand, which should match excellently together, this being of ... . European huntsmen, and that of lions ... a la Moorish and Turkish, ATery singular this I would do at six hundred florins : in addition to this the Susanna, similarly finished by my hand to your satisfaction, would be apropos Avith some other galanteria by my hand, attached by way of compliment, for the hundred florins to complete the four thousand florins. I hope you will be satisfied Avith this so reasonable an arrangement, conskleratis considerandis, that I have accepted your first offer with frankness, and that this change comes from Y. E. and not from me. I certainly could not increase my terms for many reasons ; you Avill be served in giAing me as early ... of your resolution and in case you may be ... to accept my offer you can at your pleasure .... your departure for England consign the marbles to Mr. Francis Pieterssen, and I will do the same by those pictures which are ready, and the remainder in a few days. In the tapes tries I could be of great assistance to your mercantile friend by the great experience I have had Avith these Brussels tapestries, from the many commissions which come to me from Italy and other parts for similar works ; and besides, I have made some cartoons very sumptuous, at the request of some Genoese gentle men, which are now being worked, and to say the truth, if one wishes to have exquisite things, they must be made on purpose ; of this I will willingly take care that you shall be Avell served, though in this I defer to your opinion. To conclude, I kiss Y. E.'s hand ivith all my heart, to whom in omnem eventum nostri negotii,- I shall always be the most devoted servant. Mr. Francis Pietera- sen has not yet sent me the list of your marbles, and I should Avish even, in case we come to terms, that list with the names which you Avrite to me that you have found. Peter Paul Rubens. I beg, if the affair be concluded that you will continue .... to procure free passage for them, and if you still have the packing cases in which these marbles have been conveyed from Italy, being useless to you, they would to me be a great convenience, wishing .... in this journey. PAPERS RELATING TO EUBENS. 35 [Translated from the Italian.] XXIII. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR D. CARLETON. Antweip, May — , 1613. Most excellent Sir : ^ I have just to-day received notice from my friend Pieterssen as to Y. E. having finally agreed Avith him conformably to my last offer. Quod iitriaue nostrum felix fattstumgue sit. I have already, Avhilst negotiating, given the finishing touch to the greater part of the pictures taken by you, and brought them to that per fection I am able, so that I hope Y. E. may be entirely satisfied with them. The Prometheus, the Leda, the Leopards, the St. Sebastian, the St. Peter,* and the *The St.' Daniel, are entirely finished, which I am ready to con- Petf alone J J -wants some sign to that person Avhom you shall send to me with an untie, express order to receive them ; the fact is, that they are not yet perfectly dry, on the contrary, they require to remain on their stretching frames for some days yet, before they can be rolled up without danger, nor shall I fail, Avith divine aid, on Monday next to put hand to the Hunt and the Susanna, with that trifle for the hundred florins ; animated more by the desire of honour than of profit, knowing the importance of pre serving the good graces of a person of your condition. Touching the tapestries I can say little, because having given the . . . to-day to Mr. Lionello,73 belieA'e with him he Avould not even to me ..... that Y. E. gave him an absolute order ... to have that to do to confer with others of Avhich I am . . . the least trouble, I not being of a disposition to -put myself forward. Therefore, I conjure Y. E. to be pleased to give me orders to Avhom I ought to pay the two thou sand florins in money, Avhich I shall not fail to do at sight of your order. I cannot, however, abstain from telling Y. E. that at present there is little that is good in the manufactory of tapestries at Brussels, and to my judgment the one that is least bad, is a chamber 73 Mr. Lionel AVake. See ante, p. 21, note 56. D 2 36 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. Avith the history of Camillus, four braccia and a half *Twokun- in height, eight . . . Avhich makes 222 braccia,* of twent^fh-e ¦ • • norms> the braccia as exactly .... similar, that braccia cost same story taken .... cartoons, and of the same fourinmdred 1uality- Mr' Cabbaulo at the Hague, where" Y. E. and forty- uiay and decide according to Avhat shall appear two florins, to suit; to me, as I have said, it imports nothing; BotmiSa * auc^ I Sna-U rejoice much if Mr. Lionello shall render good senice to Y. E. To whose good graces I recom mend myself; Avith sincerity^, and Avith humble reverence I kiss your hands, remaining always the most devoted servant of Y. E. Peter Paul Rubens. The Pictures promised to Y. E. shall, by divine assistance, be entirely finished in eight days Avithout fail. To the most Excellent hord, and my esteemed Patron, Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador of His Ma5? of Gt. Britain at the Hague. [Translated from the Italian. _ Indorsed " Copie de la lettre escripte il Mons". Rubena, du 22° de Mey, 1618." Tlie Postscript is in Carleton's handwriting.] XXIV. SIR D. CARLETON TO PETER PAUL RUBENS. 12 Hague, Nay-. 1618. Mr host illustrious and kind Sir : Foe, an answer to your last letter of the 12th inst., I haA'e referred to your friend Pieterssen, I being then under the hands of the Physician. Now I have received that other letter of yours of the 20th, by which you,. making known that you persist in your determination in regard to the exchange, with the conditions laid down by j'ou, I am ready to give every satisfaction on my part, the marbles being in excellent condition to be delivered to Mr. Pieterssen at any time he may present himself to take them ; and he shall also have the cases into the bargain, in which they came from Italy, and those that are wanting shall be furnished. As regards the pictures, hoping that the six (namely, the Prometheus, the Leda, the Leopards, the St. Sebastian, the St. Peter, and the PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 37 Daniel) will be perfectly finished by the time appointed by you (which is the 28th instant). I will send about that day a man on purpose to bring them here in safety ; you assuring me that the other three will be wrought to a state of perfection in reasonable time, and forwarded to the Hague. I am about procuring two passports, one to accompany the marbles, the other shall be brought by my man, for the pictures and the tapestries, Avhich will be either the History of Camillus you recommend, or another chamber four braccia in height, that will be more for my use : and for the choice of the one or the other, I shall refer to that seiwant of mine when he arrives, so without releasing you from your courteous offer of assisting me Avith your advice. And as to some other tapestries made at Brussels, after cartoons designed by you, I would willingly know the story and the measurement, being then able to regulate the price, and having considered at what time to furnish myself with that rarity ; so that this our bargain serves only as a commencement to a more extended corre spondence between us ; offering myself in exchange to seiwe you, either here or in other places where I may be useful, in all things which may be to j'our gratification. You will write to me (if you please) the probable time when the three pictures shall be finished, that I may be able to give orders for the bringing of them .... Hunt, I intend it to be a companion to the one I have at home. The Susanna ought to be beautiful to enamour even old men, and for the discretion I must not be fastidious, coming from the hand of a person so prudent and honourable : and thus I have conformed in all and every part to the contents of your two last letters, saA'ing that I cannot subscribe to your denial of being a Prince, because I esteem you the Prince of Painters and of Gentle men, and to that end I kiss your hands. From your most affectionate to serve you, Dudley Cableton. Since -writing this I have seen the tapestry of Camillus, which has a very beautiful border but very ugly figures, and for that reason I send a seiwant of mine, in order to give me an account of the tapestries that are to be found in the manufactory, that I may make choice, and at his return I will then give order about. everything. At this moment the marbles are being packed, 33 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. XXV. SIR D. CARLETON TO J. CHAMBERLAIN. {Extract.) 13 Harjh,May-,lG\S. I am uoav saying to my Antiquities Veteres migrate coloni having past a contract w"1 Rubens the famous painter of Antwerp for a sute of tapistrie and a certaine number of his pictures, av* is a good bargaine for us both, onely I am blamed by the painters of this country who made ydoles of these heads and statuas, but all others cofiiend the change. * * * * * Y™ most assured, Dudley Carletox. XXVI. LIONEL WAKE TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) 14 Antwerp, May—, 1618. . *4 We have spoken Avth Mons1 Robbins who hath given the just measure of yr pictures and sayth that they shall be ready and hath promised to Avrite unto yrou by yr servant, if not to-morrow by the post, and so expecting yr farthr resolutions herein I take my leave ever resting at Yr honoIS comandment to serve you, Lyonell Wake. [Translated from the Italian. Indorsed by Carleton, " From, Rubens y1 26th of May, re* by John Frith."] XXVII. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR D. CARLETON. Antwerp, May — , 1018, Most excellent Sir: 26 I have given all the correct measurements of tlie whole of the pictures to that Man of Y. E.'s, who came to take them by order of Y, E. to have the frames made, although you had not men tioned this to me in your letter. For some time I have not given PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 39 a single stroke of the brush, unless it be for the service of Y. E., so that all the pictures, even the Hunt and the Susanna, together Avith that sketch Avhich closes our account, as well as those of our first agreement, will by divine aid be finished on the precise day of the 28th inst., agreeable to my promise. I hope you Avill be content -with these vrorks of mine, both as regards the variety of tlie subjects, and for the love and desire which urge me to serve Y. E. with so much zeal. I doubt not in the least that the Hunt and the Susanna will appear amongst the originals. The third is painted on panel, about three feet and a-half in length, by two feet and a-half in height, altogether original. It is a subject as it were neither sacred nor profane, although taken from Holy Writ ; namely, Sarah in the act of scolding Hagar, Avho, pregnant, is leaving the house in a feminine and graceful manner, Avith the assistance of the Patriarch Abraham.71 I did not give the measure of this to your man to have a frame put about it; it is done on panel, because little things succeed better on it than on canvass, and being so small in size will be transportable. I have - engaged, as is my custom, a very skilful man " in his pursuit, to finish the landscapes, solely to augment the enjoyment of Y. E. ; but as to the rest be assured I have not suffered a living soul to put hand on them, from the desire not only of most punctually abiding by my promise, but to increase that obligation of desiring to five and die Y. E.'s most devoted servant. I cannot, hoAvever, affirm so precisely as I could Avish, the exact day when all these pictures will be dry, and to speak the truth, it appears to me better that they should go aAvay altogether, because the first are newly retouched ; still, with the aid of the sun, if it shines serene and AAithout wind (the which stirring up the dust is injurious to neAvly painted pictures) Avill be in a fit state to be rolled up Avith five or six days of fine weather. For myself, I should Avish to be able to consign them immediately, being ready to do everything that shall be agreeable to you; but I should be very sorry indeed, if from too much freshness they were to suffer any injury on the Avay, Avhich might cause some regret to Y. E., in wliich I should in a great degree participate. In respect to the tapestries, I can say little, because, to confess the truth, at present there are no A'ery fine things, and as I Avrote, 74 This picture is now in the possession of the Marquess of AVestminster. — Carpenter. 75 Most probably John AViidena. — Ibid. 40 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. they are rarely to be found Avithout having them wrought on pur pose ; yet the History of Camillus not pleasing you, I do not think that man of yours had any disinclination towards the one of Scipio and Hannibal, wliich might perhaps better please Y. E. (and to speak frankly, in all these things the selection is arbitrary) without dispute of great excellency ; I will send Y. E. the whole measurements of my cartoons of the History of Decius Mus/6 the Roman Consul who devoted himself for the success of the Roman people ; but I shall write to Brussels to have them correct, having given every thing to the master of the Works. Meanwhile, recommending myself strongly to the good offices of Y. E., and with humble affection I kiss your hands. From Your Excellency's most devoted Servant, Peter Paul Rubens. The two thousand florins shall be punctually paid at the plea sure of Y. E. I confess to feeling a great desire to see these marbles, the more so that Y. E. assures me of their being things of price. [Translated from the Italian. Indorsed by Carleton, " From Mr. Rubens, if 26th of May, rec" the 28tt."J XXVIII. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR D. CARLETON. 1 ft Antwerp, May — , 1618. Most excellent Sir : ^6 I am surprised that Mr. Francis Pieterssen should not yet have presented himself at the Hague, as he had written to me that he should return here by the 19th, namely, Saturday last ; and from Y. E.'s letter I understand that up to the 23rd he had not shown himself : I now Avrite to him a letter, in which I exhort him to proceed to you immediately, and if by chance any impediment should offer itself, that he should send some able person for the purpose of presenting to Y. E. a note written by my OAvn hand. Should neither he nor any other person in his name appear directly : I beg Y. E, will take the trouble to let me know imme- 75 Four large cartoons representing the most distinguished feats of the Consul Decius, done as patterns to be executed in tapestry, were sold in the collection of M. Bertell's, at Brussels, in 1779, for 1500 florins— £135. See Smith's Catalogue of the Works of Rubens, p. 1S2. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 41 diately, that I may not fail to dispatch a man on purpose, on your first notice. We have had to-day so fine a sun, that (a few excepted) the- whole of your pictures are so dry that they could be packed to-morrow. The same may be hoped of the others in the course of three days, according to the appearance of the good season. I have nothmg further at present than to kiss Avith all reverence Y. E.'s hands. From Y. E.'s most devoted Servant, Peter Paul Rubens. To my most Excellent and most Esteemed Lord, Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador of His Ma*7 of Gt. Britain, at the Hague. [Translated from ihe Italian.] XXIX. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR D. CARLETON. Antwerp, May — , 1618. Most excellent Sir: 26 Y. E. will at your pleasure deliver your Antiques to Mr- Francis Pieterssen, the bearer of this, or to Avhomsoever shall on the part of the said Pieterssen present this note, which will be as safely consigned as into my oavti hands. To conclude, I kiss Avith humble affection Y. E.'s hands. From Your Excellency's most devoted Servant, Peter Paul Rubens. To the most Excellent Lord, Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambas sador of His Mat? of Gt. Britain, at the JEiague. [Translated from the Original Draft in Italian, written by Carleton, wlio has endorsed it "Minute de la Ire el Mons*. Rubens, du 29 de Maij, 1618."] XXX. SIR D. CARLETON TO PETER PAUL RUBENS. 19 Hague, May — , 1618. My most illustrious and kind Sir: 2" Agreeably to your note of the 26th inst. I have delivered the whole of the marbles in good condition into the hands of Mr. Francis Pieterssen, who now goes in person towards you, to bring hither both the pictures and the tapestries promised me in' exchange ; and, since you, by your letter under the same date, 42 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. write that within three days all the pictures Avould be dry and fit to be packed, we have now more than sufficient time for that effect, and as nothing was wranting on my part in regard to these things, both as to the pacldng and foi'Avarding them Avith care for your satisfaction ; I rely equally on some little pains being taken with the pictures, and that you will send them with the tapestries, so that I may have them alJ by Saturday next. In the interim the marbles will be forwarded. I, wishing to procure the pass port for them, and give it also into the hands of the master of the vessel, avIio takes the things by order of Mr. Pieterssen, recei\ing from him his bond in ivriting in regard to the pictures and tapestries, which, on his return Avith the before-mentioned things, Avill be restored to him. This is the best expedient we have found to adjust the affairs of both parties, without either the one or the other losing time. Sir, I kiss your hands. From, Sir, Your most affectionate at command, Dudley Carleton. [The Original Draft by Carleton is endorsed, "Minute of a lie to Mr. Wake of the 29th of May, 1618."] XXXI. SIR D. CARLETON TO LIONEL WAKE. 19 Hague, May—, 1618. Mr. AVake: 29 The bearer hereof, Frances Pieterson of Harlem, is father to the yong man I mentioned in my letter wch I sent you yesterday by Sr Francesco Balbani, he going expressly to bring hether the pictures and hangings avc!i I am to have of Mr. Rubens in exchange of mystatuas and other antiquities of marble all wcb I have this day fully delivered to this bearer himself in Mr. Rubens behalf. I pray you facilitate the businesse as much as you may, to the end I may have the things here by Saturday next; wch may well be yf I be Avell dealt w*, as I mis- doAvt no other : For any custome or rights that shall be clemaunded I had rather pay them then stay, yf the pasport be not come from Bruxells. Any difference that shall be in the price of the hanc- ings I will adjust wth you uppon yr lre according as by my last I wrote unto you, and for the choise I remaine of the same minde as then, desiring to have ye stories of Scipio. Uppon the chests or cases both of the Pictures and hangings this marke must be sett DC wth a superscription in the Duch Language adressed unto PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 43 me, wherby they avlII come untouched according to a pasport AYch this bearer hath wth him. Thus AY,h my heartie comendacons, I am Yr very assured frend, Dudley Carleton. [Translated from the Italian. Indorsed by Carleton, " From Rubens if 1st of June, rec1 by Petersen if Zrd, 1618."] XXXII. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR D. CARLETON. May 22 Anticerp, ~f~~ , 1618. Most excellent Sir : June 1 In compliance Avith Y. E.'s order, I have paid the two thousand florins to Mr. Lyonell, for which he has given a receipt in his own hand, and will give advice to Y. E., and I have delivered tlie pictures* likewise to * The Daniel, Mr. Francis Pieterssen ; the whole in good condition, ^Hunt^' and packed with care, with which I think Y. E. will be St. Peter,' perfectly satisfied, as Mr. Pieterssen was astonished in ^u""?ua'. seeing them all finished con amore, in order, in a roAv. Prometheus' In a AA'ord, in lieu of a chamber furnished A\ith marbles, Lec'^ Y. E. receives pictures sufficient to adom an entire ^^ran' palace independent of the tapestries. Touching the measurement, which proved rather smaller than you expected, I did my best, taking the dimensions of the hanging with the measure current in these countries, and be well assured, that this trifling difference imports nothing as regards the price, in making the account of the pictures different from that of the * tapestries, which are purchased by measure ; but these, according to their excellence, subject, and number of figures : nevertheless, the trouble which it gave me is so grati fying and honourable, that I conceive it to be a very high favour, so much so, that I shall most willingly send ray Portrait to Y. E ., provided you, reciprocating, will be pleased to do me the honour to alloAV me to have in my house a memorial of your person, conceiving it to be reasonable that I should place a much higher value on you, than you on me. I have just to-day received the marbles, Avhich I have not yet been able 41 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. to see, from the hurry of Pieterssen's departure, still I hope they Avill be equal to my expectations. Mr. Ly- onell took upon himself the charge of procuring a free passage for your things, I having delivered the letter of Y. E. for Brussels many days since ; I did not find that a convenient route for my marbles, so that I obtained the object by other means ; nevertheless, I remain with infinite obligations towards Y. E. for all that has been done in our favour, AA'ith Avhich I shall make an end, kissing with all my heart Y. E.'s hands, and desiring to be ever Your most devoted servant, Peter Paul Rubens. To the most Excellent and most Esteemed Lord, Sir Dudley Carleton, Ambassador of His Maly of Gt. Britain, at the Hague. XXXIII. LIONEL WAKE TO SIR D. CARLETON. May 23 Antwerp, -—^ — , 1618. gn . June 2 I have receaved y* severall leres of the 28 of the last moneth, and according to yx order have bought for you the Story of Scipio, AVch cost 11 florins the ell, and doth q, as you may per- ceave by this inclosed note @ 202 J- amounting unto 2227J florins, whereof I have receaved of Monsr Rubens 2000 florins, and in regard there was no order from Brussells for the free passing of them, I Avas forced to pay for the licent and othr tolls, 101 florins and 4 stuyvers. I do expect order for the restitution of it, for I did declare it uppon the tolls in y1 OAvne name and for yr OAvne use. Mr, Rubens never sent yr lefe to Mr. Wolly, but gave it to me some 4 or 5 dayes synce, the wcl1 1 sent, and I do houerly expect the order to the officers to have the money agayne, so that you need not make it me over before you do here from me agayne : I doubt not but you Avill have receaved both yr pictures and hang- inges befor this cometh unto yr hands : But Peterson never came to me about them, but sent Monsr Rubens his man for the hang ings the wcb I d\ and so hoping that you Avill accept of my goode will to serve you herein or any thing ells Avherin you wilbe pleased to cofnand me I take my leave ever resting at Yr Honnors cofnandnient to serve you, Lyonell Wake. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 45 XXXIV. LIONEL WAKE TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) Antwerp,- ,T --, 1618. gn . A ov. 3 Although I have receaved from Mr. Trumbull an order unto the officers of this toAvne for the restitution of the monys payd for the licent of tilings for yr honnor, yet because yr OAvne note cloth not as well speciffy the pictures as well as the hangings they do make difficulty therein, so that I doubt beefore I shall gett the mony, that yr honn' must send an other note, specifying both the hangings and 8 pictures, othVise they Avill allow me but the hang ings allone. When I have ended w"1 them I will desyre you to cause the monny to be repayd in this towne, for that I have no correspondent in those parts. The remaynder of the tapistry is just 227^ flors. wtb some petty charges whereof I will send the par ticulars. * * * * * at Yr hon" coniandment to serve you, Lyonell Wake. [Translated from the Italian. Indorsed by Carleton.] " List of my pictures given the first of 71"* st° vet. to the K. of Denmark's marchant, brought unto me by Mr. Hugins."" XXXV. INVENTORY OP A CERTAIN COLLECTION OP PICTURES WHICH ARE IN HOLLAND, ALL FURNISHED AVITH GILT FRAMES. September 1, 1618. Secundo la 1. A Prometheus bound on Mount Caucasus, with mt^m-a d'Auversa an Eagle which pecks his liver. The Prometheus by ££ g%L8 Rubens. The Eagle done by Snyders. 2. Daniel amidst many Lions, taken from the life. All by the hand of Rubens. 77 The Pictures which I have numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, are those taken in exchange by Carleton for his Antiques, &c, and described in the " Li3t of Pictures," ante, pp. 29 — 31. 46 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. n 3. Leopards taken from the life, Avith Satyrs and Nymphs, by the hand of Rubens, and Avith a most ~i Tl beautiful landscape, done by the hand of a master skilful in that department. 4. A Leda, with Swan and Cupid. All by Rubens. 5. St. Peter talcing from the fish the money to pay _ tlie tribute, with other fishermen around, taken from " the life. All by Rubens. 6. An Arab Hunt on horseback, and Lions. The T Avhole by Rubens. 7. A European- Hunt, with Wolves and Foxes. u The Avhole by Rubens. 1 8. A Saint Sebastian. By Rubens. 5 9. A Susanna. By Rubens. 10. The Rape of Proserpine. By Tintoretto Vecchio. - 11. The Contention of Mars and Apollo concerning Music. By Tintoretto Vecchio. PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. 47 12. The History of Jupiter and Semele. By Tintoretto Vecchio. [Translated from the Italian, which see in Appenrlix A, No. II.] XXXA'I. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO SIR DUDLEY CARLETON. 18 Antwerp, May — , 1619. Most excellent Sir : -& I have not by any means deceived myself in believing Your Excellency to be the only one Avho can by his dexterity conduct to an end negotiations otherwise impossible. Certainly it Avas opportune, the chase of such formidable animals which you gave to those Signors, as well as the fishing of the Apostles, which truly have become for us fishers of men. -As Your Excellency astutely hints to me, it does not appear to me strange because all tilings are of greater efficacy under their oavii climate. In fact, Avithout these means nothing is obtained, altho' the reason alleged by the States General that I was not their subject or resident in their States is not of such consideration, as other Princes or Republics have ever alleged it, it appearing to them just to provide that their subjects- do no wrong or injury to any other person, Avith invasion on the labours of others. Besides that, all potentates, although distrustful amongst themselves in greater matters, are accustomed to be of one accord in favouring and protecting virtue, sciences, and the arts, at least, they ought to do so. The specification of my pretension I have sent to that friend, who will give your excellency a most accurate account of it. * In the mean time I beg Your Excellency to lend your hand to the undertaking, even to its entire perfection. And, finally, I kiss your hands Avith a thousand thanks for the esteem and great affection which you evince towards me who truly desire to be of some value in serving you more to your and my oavu taste. Your Excellency's Most humble seiwant, Peter Paul Rubens. It often happens in an assembly of many who have become favourable one by one that many of those Lords, notwithstanding when united together, act altogether contrary to their particular promises, wherefore I beg Your Excellency to consider with your 48 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS.. accustomed prudence, if our pretension may not run the rislc of stumbling anew in tlie same repulse", and if you presage anything although ambiguously, I beg you at once to interrupt the design, Avithout maldng other instance ; not that I am already changed in thought, nor that I think it little to obtain this favour, but for other great causes, it is not agreeable to me to be importunate in soliciting it, and again I kiss Your Excellency's hands. XXXVI*. LORD DANVERS TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) My Lo : Cornbury Parke, 12 July, 1619. * * * * * And iioav lett me also no less thankfully acknoledge yr Lo : carefuU remembrance of my picture, wch accordinge to Rubens' letter is delivered Mr. Lock to be sent to Anwerp. I see thear hath bine valew inough sett upon the owld peece, and in exchaynge on singular is much better then divers indifferent, the storye or severall desighnes I leave to y1 Lo : choyse and remayne Yr Lo : treAv frend to serve you, IL Davers. XXXVII. THOMAS LOCKE eC- ° ***** For yo* Caccia made by Rubens, I referre yo* L: to the answere made by Mr. Toby Mathew, Avho gives me assurance, that it is not wo or th the monney Avhereat it is prised; because little, or nothing, of it is donne wth the said Rubens his owne hande. Obedience shall be yeelded to the commande yo* L: shall sende about that busines. ***** Yo* good L: faithfnU and most devoted servante, "W. Trumbull. This " Caccia " appears by Lord Danvers' letter of 27th May, 1621 (see p. 57), to have been bought by Carleton for Prince Charles. Trumbull writes to Carleton from Brussels on 2B Deo- 162° • 5 Jan. 1K21 ' " The tyme is so shorte since I received yo* L: laste Ire (wcl1 was PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 55 but yesterday), wtu the bill of exchange of £65 : for St9 Rubens and my friend, as I have no leisure to answere it, nor courage to mannage my penne." On 2 January, 1620-1 :— " I ayUI cause yo' L: Caccia to be Avell packed up by Rubens ; and sent to Mr. Lock by the first opportunity." Again on ^ January, 1620-1 — " To-morrowe I will dispatch one of my servantes toAvardes Antwerp, about yo* L: picture made by Rubens." And on ^ January : — "Yo* L: picture shall be sente into England by the first com modity and directed to Mr. Locke according to yo' L: order : and the monney shall instantly be dehVered to Seig* Rubens." But from the correspondence which folloAvs, this picture by Rubens does not seem to have given satisfaction ; and Lord Danvers (see his letter, p. 57) says the Prince Avill not admit it into his gallery. XLVI. AV. TRUMBULL TO [SIR D. CARLETON]. (Extract.) 18 Brussels, January ~, 1620-1. My Lord : .. Yo* L: picture made by Rubens is noive absolutely finished, and made ready to be transported to Mr. Lock. I have by Mr. Toby Math, judgem' made upon it, endevored to gett him rebate some Avhat of his exorbitant price. But he maketh semblance to take it ill, that any body should comptrolle his resolution ;. and referreth himself wholly to Yo' L: for his satisfaction. The money allotted for him is in the handes of one of my frendes at Antwerp : called Mr. John Corham, and he shall not part w,h it untill I have yo* L : answere. HereAv"1 1 sende yo* L: an extract of Rubens his Ire to me ; as I would have done the originall ; but that I would fayne shewe it to Mr. Mathew. So in extreme haste I hmnbly take my leave and remayne Yo* L: most affectionate and devoted servante, "W. Trumbull. 56 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. [Enclosure.] [Translated from the French, which see in Appendix A, No. III.] XLVII. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO AV. TRUMBULL. 1 fi Antwerp, January — , 1620-1. Sir : -2d The Picture that I have painted for my Lord Ambassador Carleton is quite ready and securely packed up in a AA'ooden case, in which it can very Avell be sent to England. I Avill Avithout any difficulty give it up to the care of M. Corham, provided that he will be pleased to take it, or to send his porter for it. But as to gainsaying Avhat I have said, to our Judges, to wit that the Picture is not Avorth as much, that is not my way of acting. For if the picture had been painted entirely by my own hand, it would be well worth tAvice as much. It has not been gone over lightly by me, -but touched and retouched everywhere alike by my own hand. I will conform exactly to all I have said,- though" not-withstanding the picture is of that value, the obligations that I am under to my Lord Ambassador will make me contented Avith whatever recompense his Excellency may think it good and just to. award me, AA'ithout any comment on my part. I do not knoAV what more to say nor hoAV to submit myself more entirely to the good pleasure of this gentleman, Avhom I esteem more than any body would be lieve. The picture by Bassano, Avhich I had in exchange, is so spoilt, that such as it is, I will sell it to any one for fifteen croAvns. Trumbull writes to Carleton on the 6th March, 1620-1 — "Rubens is paid for yo* L: picture, and my friend at Antwerp hath delivered it to Mr. Dickenson,53 who hath undertaken to transporte it safely to Mr. Lock. De illo plaira, at a tyme of leisure." 53 John Dickenson acted as Ambassador at the Hague during Sir Ralph AVinwood's absence in July, 1C09, Avas " Clerk of tlie Council Extraordinary sent into Germany," " Secretary to Sir Edward Conway and Sir Eichard AVestan." — See Sion Manuals 3 and 12 March, 1G20-1. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 57 XLVIII. T. LOCKE TO SIR D. CARLETON.3' (Extract.) [Westminster,] March 18, 1620-1. Right Honorable : -* * # * * I have delivered the picture to my Lo: D avers, he made a motion to have me write to Rewben before he Avould pay the mony to this effect. That the picture had bin sheAved to men of skill, who said that it was forced and slighted, and that he had not shewed his greatest skill in it, and for that cause my Lo: would have him make a better if he could and he should have this againe, and be pleased for the other what he would have, for seing the Prince hath none of Rewbens worke but one peece of E ''Judith 8f Holofernes, wch Rewben clisavoweth, therefore he woidd have a good one or none, as for this he said that he had not yet sett it amongst the Princes pictures, neither would untill it were avowed from Rewben to be a master-peece. I told my Lo: that I knew yo* Lp had taken all pos sible care about it, and that I dowbted not but that it would prove as good as it should be, but notwithstanding that I would write to y* Lp to the effect of his Lp3 speech, and that if it pleased his Lop to let me have the mony that yo* Lop had layed out that you had comanded me to receive it, and so I had the £25 : — # * * * * Yo* Lps faithful! and humble servant, Tir. Locke. XLIX. LORD DANVERS TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) St. fames', May 27, [1621]. My Lo: A. : ***** But now for Ruben; in every paynters opinion he hath sent hether a peece scarse touched by his own hand, and the postures so forced, as the Prince Avill not admitt the picture into his 81 Printed in Supplement to Smith's Catalogue Raisonn§ of Painters, pp. 241-2. 85 See Rubens' letter to Trumbull of j| Sept., 1621, p. 59 ; also P. P. Rubens, hia Life and Genius, from the German of Dr. AVaagen, p. 85. In this cla3s of subjects, (those remarkable for the representation of physical horrors) may be mentioned Judith in the act of cutting off the head of Holofernes with a kind of hatchet ; the wretch in the agonies of death turns up his eyes in a most horrible manner : engraved by Corn. Galle.— Smith's Cat. Raisonne, No. 1001. 53 PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. galeiye. I could wishe, thearfore that the famus man would doe soum on thinge to register or redeem his reputation in 'this howse and to stand amongst the many excelent wourkes AVch ar hear of all the best masters in Christendoum, for from hiin Ave have yet only Judet/i and Holif ernes, of littell credite to his great skill, it must be of the same bigenes to fitt this frame, and I will be well content to showte an other arrow of alloAvinge Avhat monye he may aske in exchaynge, and theas Lions shall be safely sent him back for tamer beastes better made. In y* own busines you will receave satisfaction from such as ar more able to informe you, yet is thear no man more affectionate to doe y* Lo: servis then H. Davers. L. AV. TRUMBULL TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Postscript.) Antwerp, June — , 1621. Mr. Tob. Matheav is here. I conjecture he may take it un- kyndely that yo* L: hath not yet made answear to his last Ire, sente wth the picture he did visitt in the handes of Rubens. LI. AV. TRUMBULL TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) 21 [Brussels,] July — , 1621. My siscwleb good Lord : ** ***** Mr. Toby MatheAV Avente yesterday towardes Callais. — At his retourne (Avch wilbe shortly) wee will joyne o* forces to reduce Rubens to a reasonable agreem* wth my L: Davers, and (av'h yo* L: favo1) it were better to have a little patience then to marre a good bargaine by ill manageinge, or for wante of counsel!. * * * * * Yo* L: humblest serv4, W. Trumbull. LII. W. TRUMBULL TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) 1 Brussels, September —, 1621. My singtjler good Lord: ' 11 ***** Mr. T. Mathew doth carry this Ire to AntAverp, from whence PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 59 he Avill wryte to yo' L:, and give you an ansAvere about yo' desyred picture. I have broken that busines to Rubens by a feAve AA'oordes and Avill giA'e yo' L: an accompt of that he shall retoume me upon the same subject. And so I humbly take my leave and remayne, Yo* L: most affectionate and humble servante, W. Trumbull. LIII. AV. TRUMBULL. TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) Brussels, September — , 1621. Right honorable my very good Lord : ¦*¦ ' * * IT' * * Mons* Rubens by his Ire testifyeth a desyer to please his Matie, and to give yo* L: all contentment. Towardes him I have donne my . best endevors, and beseech yo* L: they may not be fruitles; but that I may have a seasonable and satisfactory an swere. * * * * * Yor good L: humblest and devoted servante, W. Trumbull. It appears by the following inclosure that Rubens was the artist selected, as early as August, 1021, to paint the decorations for the New Banqueting House at "Whitehall, although the Building was not finished until March 3 Ist, 1622 — the first stone having been laid on 1st of June, 1610/6 [Inclosure.] [Translated from the French, zohich see in Appendix A, No. IV.] LIV. PETER PAUL RUBENS TO AV. TRUMBULL, 3 Antwerp, September — , 1621. Sir: lo I am quite willing that the Picture painted for my Lord Arn- 86 P. Cunningham'3 Life of Inigo Jones, pp. 12, 13. "The Twelfth day of this instant, January, 1618-19, the greate Banquettinghowse at AVhitehall was by casualty of fire quite burnt to the ground ;" and on the same day, "AVarrants were issued to the Keeper of the Gatehouse to receive into hi3 custody and close keeping the persons of Piichard Gore and David Simpson, Laborers, being sus pected to have sett on fyer his Matiea howse of AVhitehall." — Council Register, Jac. I, vol. iv, pp. 73, li. See also Gerbier's Letter to King Charles I, dated 1 Aug. 163L 60 PAPEES RELATING TO RUBENS. bassador Carleton be returned to me and that I should paint another Hunting piece less terrible than that of the Lions, making abatement as is reasonable for the amount already paid, and the new picture to be entirely of my OAvn hand without admixture of the work of any one else, Avhich I will undertake to you on the word of a gentleman. I am very sorry that there should have been any dissatisfaction on the part of Mons. Carleton, but he would never let me understand clearly, though I often entreated him to do so, Avhether this picture was to be an entire Original or merely one touched by my own hand. I wish for an opportunity to put liim in a good humour with me, although it should cost me some trouble to oblige him. I shall be ATery glad that this picture be located in a place so eminent as the Gallery of H. R. H. The Prince of Wales, and I will do everything in my power to make it superior in design to that of Holofernes, which I executed in my youth. I have almost finished a large picture entirely by my own hand, and in my opinion one of my best, representing a Hunt of Lions : the figures as large as life. It is an order of My Lord Ambassador Digby s' to be presented, as I am given to understand 87 John Digby was born at Coleshill, "Warwickshire, in 1530. He studied at Mag dalen College, Oxford, and afterwards travelled. On his return to England he wa3 appointed Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to King James I, by whom he was knighted; sent Ambassador to Spain in 1617-18, and created Baron Digby of Sherborne, county Dorset, on 25 Nov., 1618. He wa3 again sent Ambassador Extraordinary to Spain in July, 1620, ivith a grant of £13,000 (Orig. Docket., 22nd Aug., 1620) towards defraying hLs expenses; — to Vienna and Brussels in 1620-1, to adjust the affairs of the Palatinate; when Count Mansfeldt's army, upon whom depended the fortune of the Palatinate, wa3 like to disband for want of money, he pawned all his plate and jewels to buoy up that sinking cause. He returned to London on AUhallows Eve (81 Oct.), 1621 ; — Aras sent a third time to Spain, as Ambassador Extraordinary, Avith Sir AValter Aston, to conclude the marriage treaty between Prince Charles and the Infanta of Spain ; created Earl of Bristol 15th Sept.,1622, but recalled in 1624, when he received the following letter from Secretary Conway, dated Whytehall, 24 April, 1624 : — "Eight Honourable,— I have received His Majesty's commandment to signify his pleasure and commandment to your Lordship that you come not to courte nor to his presence before His Majesty's further plesure and leave first obtained and signifyed to you, in countermand of this, but that you retyer yourselfe to your house or lodgeing, and remayne there untell His Majesty's further plesure and directions shall be made knoAven to you. This being that which I have in charge, I humbly commit, &c, Ed. Conway." He was subsequently committed to the Tower, charged by the Duke of Buckingham Arith improper conduct Avhile in Spain. On Charles I's accession, Buckingham and Digby preferred accusations- of high treason against each other; the latter was, however, disgraced by the king, to whom he applied, in January, 1625-6, to be restored to favor, which was denied, a3 appears by the following letter from Charles I, dated 21 January, 1625-6, the words in Italics being corrections and insertions in the king's own hand -. " AVe have read yor Letter addrest to us by Buckingham, and wee cannot but Avonder that you should, through forgetfullneas, make such a request to us of favour, as if you stood evenly PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. Cl to the Marquis of Hamilton. But as you truly say such subjects are more agreeable and have more vehemence in a large than in a small picture. I should very much like the Picture for H. R. H. The Prince of Wales to be of the largest proportions, because the size of the picture gives us painters more courage to represent our ideas with the utmost freedom and semblance of reality. I am ready under any circumstances to employ myself in your service, and recommending myself humbly to your favor, offer myself at all times to your notice. As to His Majesty and II. R. H. The Prince of Wales, I shall always be very pleased to receive the honor of their commands, and -with respect to the Sail in the New Palace, I confess myself to be, by a natural instinct, better fitted to execute works of the largest size rather than little curiosities. Eveiy one according to his gifts. My endowments are of such a nature that I have never Avanted courage to undertake any design however vast in size or diversified ha subject. Sir, Your very humble servant, Peter Paul Rubens. LV. AV. TRUMBULL TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Postscript.) Brussels, December, — , 1621. I have sufficient order from my L : Davers to conclude av"1 Rubens, about his picture, Avoh I will doe as soone as I have leisure. capable of it, when you knowe what your behaviour in Spaine deserved of us, Avhich you are to examine by the observations wee made, and knowe you will remember, how at or first coming into Spaine taking upon you to bee soe wise a3 to foresee our intentions to change our religion you were so far from disswading us that you offered your service and secrecy to concurre in it, anclin manie other open conferences pressing to show how convenient it was for us to be a Roman Catholiche, being impossible in your opinion to doe anie greate actions o&erviais. How much wrong, disadvantage, and disservice you did to the Treatie and to the right and interest of our deare Brother and Sister and theire children ; what disadvantage, inconvenience, and hazard you intangled us in by your Artifice3, putting off and delaying our returne home. The greate estimation you made of that State, and the vile price you sett this kingdom, still maintaining that we under culler of frendship to Spaine did what was in our power against them, which you said' they Icnew verie well. And last cf all your approuving of those conditions that our nephew should be brought up in the Emperors Court to which S' Wa. Aston then said he durst not give his consent to for feare cf Ms hed you replying to him that without som such great action nether Mariag nor peace could be had." -He, nevertheless, zealously defended the Royal cause daring the Rebellion, for which he lost his estate, and died in exile, at Paris, in 1653, aged 73. 62 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. LVI. LOED DANVERS TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) St. James', December, 7, 1621, My Lo : I eaa-e pursued the course prescribed Avth Mr. Trumball and Ruben, although after all the care you have taken to yeald me satisfaction, I suspect my monye will be more Avourth then his wourke, commonly Avrought Avth a very careles hand, but Ave must showte on arrow after an other. :'i * * * * Y* Lo: most Avell Avishinge and littell able to doe you servis, H. Davers. LVI*. T. LOCKE TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) Right Ho>-obls: 15 December, 1621. * * * * * My Lo : Davers hath sent the picture A\'ch yo* Lp sent from Reuben hither to me to be sent backe & will have his olde one againe & the .=£25 that he hath received shall goe for another that Reuben must make him ; I thincke my Lo : Davers hath alreadie acquainted y' Lp w,h his intent. I have heere a Ire to Reuben & the Picture av1* I do not well knoAve hoAV to send yet. a * * * * Yo* Lpi humble servant, Th : Locke. LVII. AV. TRUMBULL TO SIR D. CARLETON. (Extract.) 21 Brussels, December — , 1621. My singuler goode Lord: 31 ***** My L: Davers hath given me order (as formerly I wrote) to bespeake a piece of paintinge of Rubens, his owne hand ; aud I have already perfourmed that commission, and received a courteous answere. But I feare myne owne creditt will not be sufficient to accomplish that businesse. ***** Yo' Lps most humble and affection'6 servante, W. Trumbull. From John Wolley's letter [ante, p. 50], it appears that Rubens PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 63 was at Antwerp the end of January, 1G20; and from Toby Matthew's letter [ante, p. 52], that he was also there in November 1620. The Accommoclemeni between the Queen Mother of France and her son Louis XIII., managed by the afterwards celebrated Cardinal Richelieu, Avas signed at Brissac on the 16th August, 1620. It is therefore most probable that Rubens went to Paris about September, 1620,ffl to paint, by Royal command, the Twenty- one Pictures for the Grand Gallery of the Palace of the Luxem bourg,50 Avhich Avere to represent the Principal Events of the Life of Marie de Medicis.91 He made spirited sketches of each subject, Avhich he gave to his pupils to work from under his constant superintendence, by Avhich means this prodigious work Avas com pleted in less than two years,02 although from the previous corres pondence it is evident that Rubens was also engaged upon other pictures. Nineteen were painted at Antwerp in his own studio, the two largest on his return to Paris, Avhere he finished the portraits of several of the principal characters, and superintended 60 Michiek, "Rubens et l'Ecole d'Anvers," p. 143, says, in the beginning of 1620. 00 Marie de Medicis caused this superb edifice to be built in 1615. The famous Jacques de Brosse Avas the principal architect. 31 In these magnificent productions the artist, freely indulging in the poet's and the painter's licence, ,ha3 richly embellished each subject with allegorical figures and fabulous deities, enhancing the luxuriance of his creative powers in composition Avith the lustre of his resplendent colouring. They now adorn the Louvre, and are as follows : 1. The Destiny of Marie de Medicis. 12. The Government of the Queen. 2. The Birth of the Queen. 13. The Journey of the Queen to the 3. The Education of the Queen. Bridge of Ce. 4. Henry IX deliberating upon mar- 14. The Exchange of the Two Queens. riage. 15. The Happines3 and Prosperity of the 5. The Marriage of the Queen. Regency. 6. The Debarkation. 16. The Majority of Louis XIII. 7. The Marriage of Henry IV Avith 11. The Flight of the Queen to Blois. Marie de Medici3. IS. The Queen deciding in favour of 8. The Birth of Louis XIII. Peace. 9. The Departure of Henry IV for the 19. Peace Concluded. AVars in Germany. 20. Peace Ratified in Heaven. 10. The Coronation of the Queen. 21. Time Disclosing Truth. 11. The Apotheosis of Henry IV. Smith's Cat. Raison., ii. pp. 120-1. Mons* Nattier, one of the Members of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculp ture at Paris, undertook to engrave these pictures ; but before his death he committed the charge of making the draAvings to his two sons, who Ayere still young. They were subsequently published under the title of " La Gallerie du Palais du Luxembourg, peinte par Rubens ; dessinge par les Sieurs Nattier, et gravee par les plus illustres Graveurs du temps. A Paris, 1710. DediSe au Roy," folio. 02 Smith's Cat. Raison. vol. ii. p. xxA'iii., who also says that, at thi3 period, he had as assistants or pupils, Van Dyck, Justus Van Egmont, Jacques Jordaens, Peter Van Mol, Cornelius Schut, Jan Van Hoeck, Simon de Vos, Deodato Delmont, Nicholas vander Horst, Pranck Snyders, Mompers, and AYildens. 64 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. placing them in the Palace of the Luxembourg. While thus engaged, the Queen, Avho took a particular pleasure in his con versation, frequently honoured him with visits. She .was so delighted Avith these extraordinary works of art that she requested Rubens to paint Four portraits, \iz : — A Full Length of herself as Pallas ; Francis I, De Medicis, Grand Duke of Tuscany, her Father ; Jane of Austria, daughter of the Emperor Ferdinand I, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, her Mother ; and his own for Her Majesty's Cabinet. When the whole series was finished, Rubens had the honour to conduct the Queen, attended by many distinguished persons, through the Gallery, and to explain the meaning of the numerous allegories. A few days after he had an audience of Her Majesty, who gave him many splendid presents, and he quitted Paris on the ~ September, 1622." LVIII. AV TRUMBULL TO [SIR D. CARLETON.] (Postscript.) Feb 19 Brussels, ' „ ,1622-3. Mar. 1 My Lord Davers desyreing nowe to have his Creation of Bassan" againe ; because Rubens hath mended it very well ; doth by a Ire commande me to treate av"1 him, for his owne Pourtrait, to be placed in the Princes Gallery. Rubens became acquainted with the Duke of Buckingham, in April, 1625, and painted his portrait during his residence in Paris in that year. It was not until September, 1628, when the Duke Avas sent by King Charles I, in conjunction Avith the Earl of Carlisle and Sir Dudley Carleton, to negotiate a. peace Avith the United Provinces, that the Duke saw at Antwerp 93 Smith's Cat. Raison., vol. ii. p. xxx.; Michel, p. 125 : but at p. 143, Michel says, while Rubens was at Paris painting and placing the pictures for Marie de Medici3, he met the Duke of Buckingham, Avho Avas then at the French court to celebrate the nuptials of Henrietta Maria with Charle3 I ; and Mrs. Jameson, in AVaagen's P. P. Rubens, p. 24, says, Rubens Avas enabled to have the pictures placed in a gallery of the Luxembourg Palace, erected for the purpose, so early as the month of March, 1625. This date is no doubt correct, because on the 13th May, 1625, Rubens writes from Paris to M. Peiresc (see Lettres inSdites, par Em. Gachet, p. 13), complaining of the delay iu satisfying hia honoraires (for the gallery already placed), which he say3 13 because of the approaching marriage of Henrietta Maria with Charles I. "In fact," he writes, " I am tired of this court, and if I am not satisfied with the same punctuality that I have served the Queen Mother, it may perhaps come to pass that I shall not easily revisit it (this is between ourselves), although to speak the truth, I cannot complain at present, since the delay has been legitimate and very excusable." He arrived at Brussels on the 11th June, and Avrites from Antwerp on the day following. — See Em. Gachet, p. 1-4. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 65 the splendid Collection belonging to Rubens of Antiques, Gems, Pictures, &c, Avhich Descamps says was more hke that belonging to a prince than to a private gentleman. The Duke was most anxious to possess it, begged Rubens to let him have the whole, or at least a portion of the Collection, and subsequently sent Michel le Blond, a man of taste, Avith 100,000 florins91 to induce him to part Avith it. After repeated persuasions he did so, but with great regret, and on condition that the purchaser should, at his oavu expense, leave casts of all tlie finest Statues, Busts, and Bas-reliefs. These Avere to take the place of the originals, and Rubens also replaced the pictures by others, so that in a feAv years he formed a new Cabinet.85 Le Blond sent the greater part of this magnificent collection into England.25 94 Descamps (torn. i. p. 302) says 60,000 florins; but M. Mols, in a MS. Note, says the sum Avas 100,000 florins, according to a MS. Life of Eubens, Avritten by Philippe Eubens, his nephew (and not by Gevaerts), Avhich is still at the house of the Canon Van Parys, a descendant of Rubens through the female branch. 05 Michel (p. 145), who say3 (p. 144) that the Duke proposed to Rubens, by letter, to sell his cabinet, and sent the Sieur Blondel, a great connoisseur of the Pine Arts, Avho, after examining this rich collection, made Rubens an offer of 100,000 Serins for it. Smith (p. xxxi) says Blondel — Avhose portrait is painted by Van Dyck— took an in\'entory of every article, and gave the Duke of Buckingham his opinion of the value. An offer of 100,000 florins A\-as made for the whole collection, which Avas accepted, and it was sent to England in 1625. See note 109, p. 70; also p. 103. Gerbier says, " The pictures of my Lord Duke are quite ready ; it Avould be the best for Monsr. Le Elon to give the commission," &c. See also Gerbier's letter to the Earl of Arundel in Appendix B. :6 In this collection Smith says there were 19 pictures by Titian; 21 by Bassan (Giacomo da Ponte, commonly called II Bassano ; see ante, p. 52, note 82) ; 13 by Paul Veronese; 8 by Palma; 17 by Tintoretto; 3 by Leonardo da Vinci; 3 by Rafruelle ; and 13 by Rubens. Previous to the sequestration of the Buckingham estate, in 1649, a great part of this collection was sent to Antwerp for sale, and Avas purchased by the Archduke Leopold for his collection at Prague. They are now in the Behidere Gallery at Vienna. In a " Catalogue of the curious Collection of Pictures of George Villiei-3, Duke of Buckingham, in which is included the valuable collection of Sir Peter Paul Rubens : written by Brian Fairfax " [4to. London,. 1758], the above 13 pictures by Rubens, as also the models Avhich belonged to him, are thu3 described : — p „ Length. Bi-endtb. 1. A Large Piece, being a -Landscape fuU of figures, horses, and carts . . . . . .'.50 77 2. The Picture of the Queen Regent of France sitting under a canopy . . . . . . ..1920 3. A Piece representing AVinter, Avherein there are nine figures .40 70 4. Another large piece wherein are several gods and goddesses of the woods anjl little Bacchi . . . . 5 4 r 7 6 5. Another large piece of Cymon and Iphigenia. There being in this picture three naked women and a man in a Landscape .76 10 9 6. A Fiah-markefc wherein our Saviour and several other large figures are painted . . . . . .9 13 9 jcugth. ft. in. Breadth. ft. iu. 5 2133 6 60 0 0 6 0 4 0 2 6 2 9 2 6 2 1 08 2 0 1 4 66 PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. While Rubens Avas at the height of his ambition, respected and honoured by the most powerful in Europe, he Avas thrown into the greatest affliction by the death of his wife, Avhich took place about June, 1626,07 after having been married nearly seventeen years. She left him two sons, Albert Rubens, who Avas after wards Secretary of the Privy Council, and Nicholas Rubens, Seigneur de Ramyen/8 &c, and was interred with great mag nificence in the same tomb Avith his mother and his eldest brother Philip, in the church of the Abbey of St. Michael, where Rubens 7. A AVild boar hunt, wherein several huntsmen on foot and on horseback are represented . . . . . 8. Medusa's head ...... 9. A naked AVoman with an hermit . . . . 10. The Duchess of Brabant with her Lover 11. The 3 Graces with fruit . . . . . [N.B. — Sir Jas. Thornhill bought this Picture at Paris, which was sold here after his death.] 12. The Evening in a small Landscape .... 13. The head of an old AVoman. . . . . . Models. 1. Henry IAr, King of Prance, with a Pedestal, a Model in metal. 2. The model of the Horse in metal Avhich is on the new bridge at Paris. 3. A Lion and a Horse in metal, being the models of those which are in the Capitol at Eome. 4. A Model in metal of the Bull which is in the Farnesian Palace at Rome. 5. A model of the Sabine which is in the great Palace at Florence. 6. A Centaur in metal, being the model of that at Florence. 7. A Arenus and a Satyr in metal. 8. Cain and Abel in marble by John of Bologna, noAV in York House Garden or at Chelsea. 9. Two small figures in metal by John of Bologna. 10. The figure of a Aroman in metal. 11. A Venus and a Cupid in ivory. 12. The figure of a AVoman, her head, hands, and feet being ia ivory and the drapery in metal. 13. The 3 Graces in ivory. 14. St. Peter in chains, ia alabaster. 15. Twelve boxes of agates and other precious stones, chased in gold and all antiques. [N.B. — These case3 of Agate3 and other stones are particularly expressed in the English inventory of the Duke of Buckingham's collection, anno 1635.] 07 On the £ July, 1626, Rubens Avrites to Dupuy :—" In truth I have lost an excel lent companion ; one might, what do I say, one really ought to .cherish her memory, for she had none of the defects of her sex," &c. &c. 95 Rubens entrusted the education of these two sons to his intimate friend the Doctor Gevaerts, Secretary of the City of Antwerp, of whom he makes mention in his letter of 31st July, 1630, p. 151 ; see also note 165, p. 129. PAPERS RELATING TO RUBENS. 67 raised a monument to her memory witli the folloAving inscription Avritten by himself: Matri A'irgini Hanc tabulani a se pictam pio affectu ad optimte matris Scpulchrum commune cum Isabella Brant Uxore sua Dicat P. P. Rubens L.M.D. ipso die Michaelis Archangeli Anno 1626.°* After this sad event he resolved to travel in Holland, and visit his old companion at Rome, Cornelius Poelenburg,100 Avho lived at Utrecht. At Gouda Joachim Sandrart came to meet him and offered to accompany Rubens in his travels. They Avent to Utrecht together, and visited Gerard Honthorst,"11 Avho had just then made a sketch of Diogenes searching- by daylight, in the Forum at Athens, with a lanthorn, for an honest man. Rubens purchased the sketch, and Honthorst finished it by representing himself as the cynic philosopher, and Rubens as the object of his search. With this incident commenced a very lasting friendship between them.103 He continued his journey to the Hague, visiting every artist in his Avay, and leaving with each some proof of his love for the arts. On his return to Brussels the Infanta Isabella, who since the death of her husband the Archduke Albert, in July, 1621,1