Chapter 5, In Which Rubens Visits Our Court Summary

The studio is relocated to a light, airy room within the palace. For several weeks, they do not see the king, only his favorite, the Duke of Olivares. The duke is a vulgar, greasy fat man who nevertheless is convinced everyone loves him. After a few weeks, the king begins to visit the studio. He is quiet and shy, with yellow hair, blue eyes and pink skin. Juan can tell that the king hopes for friendship. The master is a man of few words, but the king seems to find his quiet consoling. The first portrait the master paints shows the king as a distrustful, lonely man, yet tender and full of hope.

One day in 1628, the king announces that the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens is to visit the court...