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93 works across 7 institutions
London holds 93 works by Peter Paul Rubens across 7 institutions, including British Museum, Courtauld Gallery, and 5 other venues.
Peter Paul Rubens in London
Rubens in London
Rubens made one major permanent work for London: the ceiling of the Banqueting House in Whitehall, painted in 1634 for Charles I, depicting the apotheosis of James I. It is still in the building it was made for — a painted ceiling visible from below, which is the only way a painted ceiling can be properly seen. Charles I walked beneath it to his execution in 1649.
The National Gallery holds a substantial collection of his easel paintings including the Samson and Delilah and the Peace and War, painted as a diplomatic gift during his English visit. The collection spans his career from early religious works to the late mythologies, and the gallery's hanging places him in the context of the Flemish and Italian traditions he synthesised.
Planning your visit
The Banqueting House in Whitehall is a separate visit from the National Gallery — it is managed by Historic Royal Palaces and charges a small entrance fee. It is rarely crowded and the ceiling is extraordinary. Combined with the National Gallery (twenty minutes on foot), it gives a complete picture of Rubens in London.
Collections in this city
British Museum
London · 4 works on display
Courtauld Gallery
London · 36 works on display
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House holds one of the finest small art collections in the world — a concentration of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces that rivals much larger museums. Compact enough to see properly in two hours.
+28 more
Dulwich Picture Gallery
💎 Hidden GemLondon · 11 works on display
England's oldest public art gallery, designed by Sir John Soane, with a superb collection of Old Masters including Rembrandt, Rubens, and Poussin. Located in suburban south London — the journey is part of the experience.
Saints Catherine of Alexandria and Eligius (paired with Saints Amandus and Walburga)
Dulwich Picture Gallery
c. 1610
LondonWikidata
+3 more
National Gallery
London · 28 works on display
The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square houses one of the world's great collections of Western European painting, from the 13th to the 19th century, with particular strength in the Dutch Golden Age and Impressionism. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
+20 more
Tate Britain
London · 1 work on display
Tate Britain on Millbank holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present, including the world's finest holdings of Turner's paintings. Entry to the permanent collection is free, and the Turner galleries are a highlight of any visit.
Victoria and Albert Museum
London · 3 works on display
Wallace Collection
London · 10 works on display
The Wallace Collection in Mayfair is a former private collection of extraordinary quality — Old Masters, French 18th-century painting, armour, and decorative arts in a magnificent townhouse. One of London's most underrated galleries, and free to enter.
The Holy Family with Saint Elizabeth and Saint John the Baptist
Wallace Collection
c. 1615
LondonWikidata
+2 more
About the artist
Peter Paul Rubens
Flemish · Baroque / Flemish · 1577–1640
Rubens was the most celebrated painter of the Flemish Baroque, known for large-scale altarpieces, mythological scenes, and portraits of extraordinary energy. Based in Antwerp, he also served as a diplomat across Europe, and his workshop was the most productive of his era. His influence on Western painting was immense.
Key works
The Descent from the CrossThe Rape of the Daughters of LeucippusSelf-Portrait in a Circle of Friends
Frequently asked questions
How many Peter Paul Rubens paintings are on display in London?
Our current data shows 93 Peter Paul Rubens paintings on display in London, spread across the Courtauld Gallery, the National Gallery, and 5 other venues. Coverage is based on Wikidata records and may not reflect every work currently on display.
Which museum in London has the most Peter Paul Rubens paintings?
Courtauld Gallery holds the largest share, with 36 works by Peter Paul Rubens in London.
Where else can I see Peter Paul Rubens's paintings?
Peter Paul Rubens's paintings are distributed across museums in multiple countries. Our artist page lists every city in our collection where their work is currently on display — use it to plan a multi-city trip or find works closer to home. Browse all cities for Peter Paul Rubens →
Planning your visit to London
Most major national museums in London are free to enter permanently — the National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and National Portrait Gallery all charge nothing for the permanent collection. The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House and the Wallace Collection are also free. Pre-booking is rarely needed for permanent collections but recommended for major temporary exhibitions.
Artwork data sourced from Wikidata. Coverage varies — always confirm with the museum before visiting.