Bust portrait of Philip Rubens, in a niche
Medium
Engraving; second state of two (Hollstein)
Dimensions
Sheet (Trimmed): 8 1/4 × 5 3/8 in. (21 × 13.7 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1951
Accession Number
51.501.7576
Art Historical Context
This refined engraving, *Bust Portrait of Philip Rubens, in aiche*, showcases the collaborative genius of Flemish Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens engraver Cornelis Galle II with Philip Rubens listed among the creators—likely as the sitter and family connection. Dated circa 1627–78, it presents Philip in a classical architectural niche, evoking ancient Roman busts and lending a timeless, sculptural dignity to the portrait. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this state of two (per Hollstein) measures a compact 8¼ × 5⅜ inches, ideal for intimate study or c...
About the Artist
Peter Paul Rubens|Cornelis Galle II|Philip Rubens · 1577–1640
Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) stands as the most influential artist of the Flemish Baroque tradition and the greatest exponent of Baroque painting's dynamism, vitality, and sensuous exuberance. Born in Siegen, Westphalia, and raised in Antwerp, Rubens received a humanist education studying Latin and classical literature before pursuing artistic training under three masters: Tobias Verhaecht, Adam ...