Clearly created for his enjoyment, the storm landscape remained in the possession of the painter until his death. As the restoration shows, Rubens altered the painting multiple times and only later included the story of Philemon and Baucis. As the only ones, the poor, old couple offered hospitality to Jupiter and Mercury, thus saving themselves from the punishing flood. The restoration measures, as well as the complex composition and creation of the painting, are addressed, along with its art-historical classification. Considerations of Rubens' depiction of nature and the outstanding significance of this work in European landscape painting complete the presentation.