18
June 2026

Tinker, Artist, Spy: Sir Peter Paul Rubens, Diplomat and Agent

The Arts Society Menorca
Thursday, June 18, 2026 - 20:00
Real Aeroclub Mahón Menorca
Avinguda Josep Anselm Clavé 396 Mahon, Menorca 07703
Online Event

This talk reveals the fascinating dual life of Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens was not only the most influential artist of his age but also a skilled diplomat and trusted agent in Europe’s turbulent political landscape. This talk reveals the fascinating dual life of Rubens, whose brushes and canvases coexisted with secrets, negotiations, and intrigue

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr Matthew Wilson

Secret symbols, Nazi-fighting, cultural love affairs, the ‘nude’, snowmen, and artistic espionage are among the diverse interests of art historian Matthew Wilson. Matthew studied History of Art at the Courtauld Institute and is an author, lecturer, and educator. As a freelance journalist he writes for numerous publications including BBC Culture, The Spectator, The Economist and Aesthetica Magazine. He has written two books on symbolism – ‘Symbols in Art’ (Thames & Hudson, 2020) and ‘The Hidden Language of Symbols’ (Thames & Hudson 2022) and his latest book – a introductory guide to art history – is due for publication in September 2023.