The Assumption of the Virgin Gm-11468401

Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577–1640); and Paulus Pontius (Flemish, 1603–1658) When Peter Paul Rubens decided to have an engraving made after his 1618 altarpiece of the Assumption of the Virgin, a young member of his studio, Paulus Pontius, made a detailed drawing of the painting in black chalk. Scholars believe that little evidence of Pontius's design remains. Rubens extensively reworked the drawing, probably in an effort to instruct Pontius on how to make good engravings after his paintings, an activity that Rubens considered very important. The young Pontius went on to become one of the most successful interpreters of Rubens's work through engravings.