Pierre-Paul Rubens, or Peter Paul Rubens in Dutch, is a Flemish Baroque painter. Assisted by a large workshop, Rubens produced a considerable body of work in various genres. He agreed to paint a large number of portraits but, by instinct more inclined to large works than to small curiosities, he mainly carried out large religious projects, mythological paintings, and important series of historical paintings. The numerous works of this Flemish painter, undisputed master of the Baroque, depicting religious themes are executed to perfection. It is easy to understand why Rubens inspired generations of artists. The Descent from the Cross was one of his most perfect masterpieces. From that day on, Rubens was not the greatest painter in the country, he was the only one. Artists who could have tried to compete with him preferred to work under his orders.