Rubens's Ceres

When the Hermitage, among the most prestigious museums of the world, decides to show this important and unique pair of La Ceres paintings by Sir Peter Paul Rubens, it is indeed an historic presentation and a clear sign of the growing appreciation of the Flemish master.

The painting from the Hermitage is one of the best of their significant Rubens collection and was purchased by Empress Catherine II.

The other one is from the famous Philippi Collection (the Philippi Ceres) and was lost for a long time, until the connoisseur of Old Masters’ paintings, Hermann Beyeler, discovered it and integrated it into the Beyeler Collection in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The exhibition with the twin La Ceres, the goddess of growing plants in Roman mythology, will give lovers of Old Masters and especially Rubens’ enthusiasts fresh insight into this most renowned Baroque painter.

The volume offers, through a rich iconographic material, an accurate study of the two paintings with critical essays by Natalya I. Gritsay and Rolando Bellini.

An essential bibliography is also included.

Saint Petersburg, March - June 2007