Book excerpt: This volume is the second in the series devoted to portraits and in this volume is confined to portraits painted in Antwerp, cataloguing those in which the sitters are identified. Dr. Vlieghe examines the specific stylistic evolution of Rubens as a portrait painter, and shows how clearly the portraits reflect the general development of the painter's style. Of particular interest is the way in which Rubens merged the monumental sense of form and High-Renaissance devices that he had learnt in Italy with the traditions of style and iconography current in the Southern Netherlands. Especial emphasis is laid on the emblematic character of Rubens's portraits, especially those of his own family.