Rubens

NYT reports that an art exhibition in France is finally giving Rubens his due recognition. Apparently, France rejected Rubens for nationalistic reasons. Glory for Rubens meant less glory for the French painter of the time, Poussin. Furthermore, France at the time only appreciated Italian art. I think this shows that art is not independent of politics--It wasn't in the 17th century and it isn't today. What a fascinating class that would be- politics and art. *Thinking I should have been an art history major*

Personally, I love Rubens for his "extravagant regard for female flesh" (as the NYT puts it). His room at the Louvre Museum was my favorite.