Study for the feeding of the Five Thousand

Peter Rubens

Summary

A reproduction produced by the Vasari Society of a drawing by Peter Paul Rubens. In the drawing the figure of Jesus is seated, and a child is presenting him with a basket of food, in a depiction of the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Three figures are standing close to the pair, identified in the text below as disciples. Jesus is extending his right arm towards one, who is also gesticulating with his right hand. Text from the accompanying booklet produced by the Vasari Society: "No. 16 PETER PAUL RUBENS (b. 1577; d. 1640) STUDY FOR THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND The Library of Christ Church, Oxford. From the General John Guise Collection. Pen and sepia over black chalk. 33.2 x 22.5 cm. (13 1/16 x 8 7/8 in.). Christ seated surrounded by three disciples: in front of him stands a boy holding the basket with the loaves and fishes; Christ is speaking with right arm extended; the multitude is indicated lower down in the background. The composition is not known to have been painted by Rubens or any of his scholars or assistants. On the back of the drawing is an autograph letter of the master addressed in 1618 to a Monsieur Felix, in which Rubens mentions the drawings he is sending and refers to his willingness to have the composition adapted in width to the work contemplated. The letter (of which a facsimile is given below) reads as follows: Monsr Felix, UE. moet dese teekeninghen ten besten nemen soo slecht ende vaall als sy syn want het my onmoghelyck is door andere occupatien iets meer daer aen te doene. UE. sal sich daer mede moeten behelpen: ende kundt die selvighe breeder ofte smalder maeken naer proportie van UE. werck. Waer mede ic my gebiede seer hartelyck tot UE. Vaders, wenschende van Godt almachtich volcomen gheluck ende Contentement. Wt Antverpen desen 18 Januari 1618. UE. Vriendt ende dienaer Pietro Pauolo Rubens [Dr. Max Rooses and Mr. de Villiers have kindly helped me with the above transcription: vouw (for vaall) and proposten (for proportie) were alternative, but, I think, less plausible readings. UE. stands for U Edele.] This might be rendered: Monsr. Felix, Your Honour must make the best of these drawings, poor and bad as they are, for I am too busy with other things to do more to them at the moment. So you will needs make shift with them. They could be made wider or narrower according to the proportions of your work. Wherewith I commend myself most heartily to your Honour's father, wishing him from God Almighty complete happiness and content. From Antwerp, 18 January, 1618. Your Honour's friend and servant, Pietro Pauolo Rubens. A. M. H."