356 - J. MEYSSENS (*1612) after an unknown artist (17th century), Portrait of Petrus Paulus Rubens, copper engraving

J. MEYSSENS (*1612) after an unknown artist (17th century), Portrait of Petrus Paulus Rubens, copper engraving Joannes Meyssens (1612–1670) after an unknown artist (17th century): Portrait of Peter Paul Rubens from *Het Gulden Cabinet*, 17th century, copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving on paper, mounted on paper Print Quality: A good print with clear line work and rich black tones; the hatching is well defined. Inscription: Signed in the printing plate at the bottom: “I. Meyssens exc.”; inscribed in the printing plate at the bottom: “PETRUS PAULUS RUBENS.” Date: 17th century Description: A half-length portrait of Peter Paul Rubens in a three-quarter view from the right. The subject is wearing a dark cloak with a wide collar, as well as a knight’s order visible on a chain. His curly, shoulder-length hair and goatee are characteristic. The modeling is achieved through delicate cross-hatching, which creates a nuanced chiaroscuro effect. The background is kept dark by uniform hatching, causing the face to stand out in relief. Below the illustration is a multi-line French caption, along with the number 30 and the name “PETRUS PAULUS RUBENS” as the title line. This work is believed to originate from the anthology *Het Gulden Cabinet*, which contained a large number of artists’ portraits. Keywords: Petrus Paulus Rubens; Portrait; Bust; Engraving; Baroque; Flemish; Orders of chivalry; Three-quarter view; Artist’s self-portrait; Series of portraits; 17th century; Hatching; Chiaroscuro; Cloak; Goatee; curly hair; caption; French; numbering; historical portrait; 17th century; Baroque; Depiction of Artists; Netherlands; Size: Paper: 17.3 cm x 12.1 cm (6.8 x 4.8 in), Plate: 16.2 cm x 11.2 cm (6.4 x 4.4 in), Depiction: 13.9 cm x 10.9 cm (5.5 x 4.3 in) Condition: In fairly good condition. Paper is slightly browned and aged; isolated water stains, particularly at the margins; sheet is slightly wavy and creased at the corners due to mounting; brownish patches at the margins where adhesive marks show through; traces of mounting are visible on the reverse; the backing sheet is slightly stained with slight creases at the margins.