"I should not base it [ the mural-painting 'Madonna della Vallicella' Rubens painted c. 1607] on the estimate of Rome …"

"I have not yet made up my mind whether to remain in my own country Flanders or to return forever to Rome.. ..[I have …"

"[those paintings that are] done entirely by my hand.. ..[those,]done by the hand of a master skillfull in that depart…"

"I have heard that you have found the secret of engraving on copper on white ground, as Elsheimer did. To bite the pla…"

"[on the high seas] the English are increasing their insolence and barbarity. [T]hey cut to pieces the captain of a sh…"

"We are exhausted [in Antwerp] and have endured so much that this war seems without purpose.. ..[and that it seemed] s…"

"[I] decided to force myself to cut this golden knot of ambition [to portray the nobility any longer] in order to reco…"

"I have neither time to live nor to write. I am therefore cheating my art by stealing a few evening hours to write thi…"

"I am by nature and inclination a peaceful man, the sworn enemy to disputes, lawsuits and quarrels both public and pri…"

"The light falls so unfavorably on the altar that one can hardly discern the figures or enjoy the beauty of color and …"