Rubens's Mythological Paintings: The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus, Orpheus and Eurydice, The Three Graces

publication · 2026-10-05

At the age of 14, Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640) started his apprenticeship in Antwerp and achieved independence as a painter by 1598. His journey to Italy in 1600 deepened his admiration for classical artistry. In The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus (c. 1618, Alte Pinakothek, Munich), he illustrates the abduction by Castor and Pollux, showcasing twisted figures and clashing emotions. Orpheus and Eurydice (1636–1638, Museo del Prado, Madrid) captures Orpheus's ill-fated look back at Eurydice, with Hades and Cerberus shrouded in shadow. The Three Graces (1630–1635, Museo del Prado, Madrid) portrays Aglaea, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, highlighting themes of unity and dance through their interlinked hands and a shared veil, symbolizing ideals of prosperity and health.

Key facts

Peter Paul Rubens was born in 1577 and died in 1640.
Rubens began his artistic apprenticeship at age 14 in Antwerp, Belgium.
In 1598, Rubens became an independent painter in the Antwerp guild of St. Luke.
Rubens traveled to Italy in 1600, where he explored classical, Greco-Roman culture.
After returning to Antwerp, Rubens brought home a large collection of classical sculptures.
The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus (c. 1618) is in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany.
Orpheus and Eurydice (1636–1638) and The Three Graces (1630–1635) are both in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.
The Three Graces depicts Aglaea, Thalia, and Euphrosyne, the three daughters of Zeus.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

Antwerp
Belgium
Italy
Munich
Germany
Madrid
Spain
Sparta

Sources

DailyArt Magazine — 2026-10-05