Portrait of Isabella Brant, Rubens' first wife
Original title: Portrait of Isabella Brant, Rubens' first wife
kurzbeschreibung
Isabella Brant, the first wife of Peter Paul Rubens, appears here in half profile. Andreas Ludwig Bissel made this etching between 1799 and 1810. The image focuses on the sitter's head and upper body, which stand out against a dark background.
Description
The sitter turns to the left, her face caught in half profile. She wears a dark gown with a light scarf falling over her shoulder. Her hair is pinned up in a curly knot and adorned with pearls. Light falling from the side highlights her profile, while shadows darken the right side of her face and her gown. The indistinct dark background makes the figure stand out.
Context
Isabella Brant, Rubens's first wife, died in 1626. The etching was made much later, in the late 18th and early 19th century, and probably derives from a painting by Rubens. The German artist Bissel created this print as a reproductive engraving to make the work accessible to a wider audience.
Impact
The etching feels elegant and restrained thanks to its delicate linework and careful lighting. The dark background and side lighting give the sitter a dignified, almost intimate presence. The monochrome execution draws attention to her facial features and the details of her clothing.
Technique
This is an etching, an intaglio printmaking technique. Fine lines and hatching create tonal values and a sense of volume. The plate measures 50.3 × 28.7 cm and is printed on a larger sheet of paper measuring 54.2 × 35.9 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)