← Lucas Vorsterman I

Portrait of Isabella d'Este

Original title: Portrait of Isabella d'Este

Artist

Lucas Vorsterman I

Date

1620–30

Medium

Engraving; second state of two (Hollstein)

Dimensions

Sheet (Trimmed): 16 5/8 × 12 9/16 in. (42.2 × 31.9 cm)

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1951

kurzbeschreibung

Lucas Vorsterman I engraved Isabella d'Este between 1620 and 1630. The print presents the Renaissance princess in sumptuous attire, featuring fur trim and an intricately decorated bodice. This impression belongs to the second of two states (according to Hollstein).

Description

Seated upright with hands folded, the sitter appears dignified and calm. A fur drapes over her shoulder; her hair is elaborately styled and adorned with jewels. Ruffles and embroidery embellish the bodice. Curtains frame the space and draw the eye toward the figure. The linear quality and shading suggest an etching.

Context

Vorsterman, a Fleming, specialized in reproductive engravings after works by well-known painters. As Marchioness of Mantua, Isabella d'Este (1474–1539) promoted Renaissance arts. This engraving was made in the 17th century, about a hundred years after her death, and likely derives from an older painting. Prints of this kind spread portraits of famous figures throughout Europe.

Impact

Power and elegance emanate from this view, carried by the opulent clothing and the composed pose. Fabrics and jewelry are rendered with great precision, emphasizing the sitter's high rank. The varied linework makes surfaces appear lively and transports the viewer to the Renaissance.

Technique

For engraving, lines are cut into a copper plate. In the second state, reworking or strengthening of lines may occur. The sheet is trimmed at the edge, but the image layout remains complete.

AI-generated description text

Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)