The origin is believed to be Arnold (Arnoldus) Rubbens, a tanner, who was born around 1350, who lived in Antwerp and was married to Catherina van den Elshoute.

Their son Jan married Margaretha van Catschote, and was the father of three sons: Arnold II, Joost and Peter I. Bartholomaeus I Rubens, born 1501, is recorded as being at the court of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. He married Barbara Arents, of noble birth.

[1][2] Most famous are his grandsons, the painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens (knighted in 1624 by Philip IV of Spain and in 1630 by Charles I of England), and his brother Philip Rubens, who entered in the service of Cardinal Ascanio Colonna.

Today the family is extinct in the male line, but has descendants in the other branches: Goubau-Rubens / van Parys-Rubens / de Lunden-Rubens.

[3] The last direct male-line descendant of the painter was his grandson Alexander Rubens, Lord of Vremdyck, who died in Mechelen.