and Isabella.

But the best service that Van Veen did for Rubens was in taking him into
his home and giving him free access to the finest collection of Italian
art in the Netherlands. These things filled the heart of Rubens with a
desire to visit Italy, and there to dive deeply into the art spirit of
that land from which all our art has sprung.

To go abroad then and gain access to the art treasures of the world was
not a mere matter of asking for a passport, handing out a visiting-card,
and paying your way.

Young men who wished to go abroad to study were required to pass a stiff
examination. If it was believed that they could not represent their own
country with honor, their passports were withheld. And to travel without
a passport was to run the risk of being arrested as an absconder.

But Rubens' place in society was already secure. Instead of applying for
his passports personally and undergoing the usual catechization, his
desires were explained to Van Veen, and all technicalities were waived,
as they always are when you strike the right man. Not only were the
passports forthcoming, but Albert and Isabella wrote a personal note to
Viccuzo Gonzaga, the Duke of Mantua, commending the young painter to the
Duke's good offices.

Van Veen further explained to Rubens that to know the Duke of Mantua
might mean either humiliation or crowning success. To attain the latter
through the Duke of Mantua, it was necessary to make a good impression on
Annibale Chieppo, the Duke's Minister of State. Chieppo had the keeping
of the ducal conscience as well as the key to the strong-box.