Rubens: Selected Drawings Catalogue (1958) by Julius S. Held is a seminal scholarly work that meticulously documents and analyzes a curated selection of drawings by Peter Paul Rubens, the Flemish Baroque master. Held, one of the 20th century’s foremost Rubens experts, combines rigorous art historical research with keen stylistic analysis to illuminate Rubens’ creative process, from preparatory sketches to finished compositions.
The catalogue features:
- High-quality reproductions of Rubens’ drawings, showcasing his dynamic line work, anatomical precision, and theatrical flair.
- Critical commentary on each piece, linking them to Rubens’ paintings (e.g., The Descent from the Cross) and tracing influences from Titian to classical sculpture.
- Provenance and dating debates, reflecting Held’s archival depth.
A cornerstone for Rubens studies, this book reveals how his drawings—whether rapid bozzetti or detailed studies—were the “laboratory” for his monumental works.
For scholars of: Baroque art, Old Master drawings, or Held’s The Oil Sketches of Peter Paul Rubens.
