Peter Paul Rubens 1577-1640.

The term Rubensesque is now a term of derision especially when referring to over weight women. However he is having a reassessment by virtue of a forth coming major exhibition of his work at The Royal Academy Rubens and His Legacy - Van Dych to Cezanne (from the 24 January to 10 April). Last night on BBC Two we had a preview of things we can look forward to in An Extra Large Story the art historian Waldemar Januszczak gave a delightful and erudite consideration of Rubens. His picture on the ceiling of the Banqueting House in Whitehall is one of his most accomplished works. So lets celebrate this master of painting and give him a fresh chance that is less derogatory and more in perspective. That puts him in the correct place in the canon of art history that is unsurpassed.