The Glorification of the Eucharist
Peter Paul Rubens·ca. 1630–32
Historical Context
Rubens painted The Glorification of the Eucharist around 1630-32, one of a series of designs related to the Triumph of the Eucharist tapestry cycle he created for the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, governor of the Spanish Netherlands. These tapestries, woven at workshops in Brussels, were among the most ambitious textile projects of the seventeenth century. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the oil sketch demonstrates the design process behind Rubens's monumental decorative programs, which required translating painted compositions into the woven medium.
Technical Analysis
Rubens's modello demonstrates his facility with complex allegorical composition. Warm golden tones suggest divine radiance, while the dynamic arrangement of figures creates upward movement appropriate to the glorification theme.
Look Closer
- ◆The Eucharistic monstrance dominates the center, its golden radiance suggesting the Real Presence of Christ in the consecrated host
- ◆Angels in various attitudes of worship surround the monstrance, their wings creating a rhythmic pattern of curves
- ◆Clouds billow dramatically, blurring the boundary between earthly altar and heavenly vision in true Counter-Reformation fashion
- ◆The oil sketch technique allows us to see Rubens's thinking process — he adjusted compositions freely at this preparatory stage
Condition & Conservation
This modello relates to the Triumph of the Eucharist tapestry cycle. The panel support is stable. As a sketch, the thin paint application is original and intentional, not a sign of deterioration. Conservation has focused on varnish removal and stabilization of the delicate paint surface.
