Rubens's 'Rape of the Sabines' and Van Dyck's 'Charity': a failed purchase by Louis XV

The article discusses an attempt by King Louis XV of France to purchase the paintings “Rape of the Sabine women” by Peter Paul Rubens and “Charity” by Anthony van Dyck for the royal collection. The author discusses Francois Louis Colins, conservator of paintings to Louis XV, and his negotiations in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium to purchase the paintings.