Acquisition of a drawing and draft letter by Rubens

On the front, Rubens captures three figures in classical robes in a quick, spontaneous sketch; in all likelihood, these are studies of apostles. The drawing, with its loose, confident linework, bears a unique witness to his artistic process.  

The overleaf features a draft letter in Italian, addressed to the painter Cristoforo Roncalli, also called il Pomarancio. In it, Rubens enquires about a commission for an artwork from Eleonora de’ Medici, the influential Duchess of Mantua. The letter sheds light on his role as a mediator and advisor within the artistic network during his Italian years (1600-1608). 

Autograph drawings and letters by Rubens are very scarce and rarely offered for sale; a sheet that combines the two is even more exceptional. This document offers both an intimate insight into the artist’s creative process and the workings of the art world in the early seventeenth century, with a particular focus on the role of influential female patrons such as Eleonora de’ Medici. 

Thanks to this acquisition by the King Baudouin Foundation, an important piece of Belgian heritage has been saved for the nation. For the Rubenshuis, this sheet is a significant addition to the collection and a key work for further research into Rubens’s early practice and international network. After the museum’s renovation, the sheet will be given a prominent place in the collection presentation; it will also be made available online.  

The work will be on temporary display in the Rubens Experience from 19 May 2026. First, the front will be presented; after three months, the back will be shown.