A commemorative portrait of 1611, honouring philosopher & scholar Justus Lipsius, who had died in 1606. He is placed under a bust of Seneca, with four tulips symbolising lasting friendship with his three pupils: Rubens, his brother Philip Rubens (who died that year) & Joannes Woverius. A table with oriental carpet displays books under discussion, while a dog (symbol of fidelity) is just visible lower right. A sunset view of ruins, representing the Palatine Hill in Rome is glimpsed between column and draped curtain.
Rubens’s painting of the Four Philosophers was featured (Upper Right) in Zoffany’s famous Gallery Portrait of the Tribuna of the Uffizi. Rubens’ work has been moved from the Tribuna to the Pitti Palace.
Justus Lipsius, influential Flemish philosopher & humanist, author of De Constantia, died #OTD 1606; portrayed in Rubens’ The Four Philosophers (1611), with artist, brother & third pupil under bust of Seneca. Seen in Zoffany’s Tribune of Uffizi 1772-8.
Gallerie degli Uffizi #Pitti | Royal Collection
