Rubens: The Apotheosis of James I and Other Studies
Tate a look at masterpieces from Sir Peter Paul Rubens at Tate Britain
Tate Britain is currently showing an exhibition of work from Spanish painter Rubens.
Sir Peter Paul Rubens was one of the pre-eminent painters of the 17th century. Based in Spanish-ruled Flanders, he painted portraits, landscapes, altarpieces and mythological scenes for the leading figures of Europe.
Not only an artist, but also an important diplomat, Rubens was in London 1629-30 attempting to secure peace between Spain and England. During this time he was commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Banqueting House at Whitehall, then the main London residence of the monarch.
The finished paintings are the most important surviving commissions of their kind in London, and this very first sketch shows Rubens's earliest thoughts for the design and arrangement.
This special exhibition is running at the Tate Britain from Thursday March 20th to Friday June 20th. The Tate Britain is open daily from 10am to 5.40pm.
Find out more about events at Tate Britain.
How to get there
Underground - Pimlico (Victoria Line, 600 metres approx.), Vauxhall (Victoria line, 850 metres approx.), Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle Lines).
Buses - A number of buses service the area, including the 2, 3, C10, 36, 87, 88, 159, 185, 436 and 507.
Boat - Tate Boat runs every forty minutes along the Thames between Tate Modern, the London Eye and Tate Britain.
Train - Vauxhall or Victoria stations are both located nearby.
Taxi - A taxi drop off/pick up point is situated on Millbank, just outside the Millbank entrance.
Car - There is a limited amount of pay and display parking in the streets surrounding Tate Britain (free at the weekends and after 18.30). Free parking at other times is only available to SEN groups booked into sessions.
Coach - Drop-off point on Millbank
By bike - There are bike racks outside the gallery to the left of the Manton entrance (at the end of Atterbury Street on the corner with John Islip Street) and also on Millbank near the entrance to the Clore gallery.
