Final answer:
Peter Paul Rubens was the Baroque painter who doubled as an ambassador, diplomat, and court painter, overseeing a vast workshop and producing a large volume of influential artworks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Baroque painter who served as an ambassador, diplomat, and court painter to dukes and kings was Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens was not only remarkable for his artistic talent but also for his roles in diplomacy. He represented Isabella in the Spanish Netherlands and traveled extensively for negotiations, allowing him to carry diplomatic communications discreetly due to his friendly nature. Rubens also managed a very large workshop, instructing students and working with a multitude of assistants who specialized in different aspects of the painting process. His workshop produced a vast number of paintings for his wealthy and royal clientele, and the pricing of these works depended on how much Rubens himself had contributed to the painting. Known for his prolific output, Rubens completed over 1,400 paintings that featured robust, dynamic compositions with strong light contrasts and detailed texture.
His travels to Italy were an essential part of his artistic development where he studied the Italian Renaissance and combined these influences with the Flemish Baroque tradition. Among his many notable works are those for the Medici Gallery in the Luxembourg Palace, Paris, now showcased in the Louvre. Overall, Peter Paul Rubens's skills extended beyond the canvas, as he interwove his artistic talents with intricate diplomatic work, making him a truly unique figure in Baroque art and European history.