Archduke Alberto de Austria by Pierre Paul Rubens

A major monument of state portraiture under Spanish rule, this princely likeness illustrates the majesty and serenity of power. The painter Pierre Paul Rubens immortalizes in “Portrait de l’archiduc Albert d’Autriche” the ruler of the Southern Netherlands in a ceremonial setting. This canvas reflects Baroque portrait art through the precision of rank attributes and the inclusion of a vast estate landscape.:::::The prince sits majestically in a red velvet armchair, his body turned three-quarters view against a purple drapery backdrop. He is dressed in a black doublet embroidered with gold buttons, topped by an imposing pleated white lace ruff framing his face. A chain of the Order of the Golden Fleece hangs across his chest, testifying to his sovereign status. His right hand rests on the arm of the chair while his gloved left hand holds a second glove near a stone balustrade. Behind the balustrade adorned with blooming rosebushes, a vast landscape opens onto a monumental castle beside a body of water. Even daylight illuminates the ruler’s pale complexion and brings out the whiteness of the collar.:::::Pierre Paul Rubens displays exceptional expertise in the detailed description of power insignia and delicate lace. His sovereign command of oil painting brings noble gravity as well as striking realism to this princely portrait.