Portrait of Catherine de Bourbon

1600

Not on view

This portrait of Catherine de Bourbon, sister to King Henry IV of France, shows off the full splendor of Renaissance jewelry, in which pearls and gemstones played an important role. They feature in her tiara and earrings, as well as in the buttons and other adornments of her bodice. An elaborate chain necklace made of interlinked pendants inlaid with faceted gemstones and pearls drapes across her shoulders. Catherine’s relationship to the French crown is emphasized by the incorporation of the fleur-de-lis, and the piece is further customized with pendants consisting of four interlocking C’s made entirely of precious stones.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Portrait of Catherine de Bourbon
Artist: Jan (Johannes) Wierix (Netherlandish, Antwerp 1549–1615 Brussels)
Publisher: Paul de la Houve (Dutch, active Paris ca. 1595–1645)
Date: 1600
Medium: Engraving
Dimensions: Plate: 14 × 10 1/4 in. (35.5 × 26 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1923
Object Number: 23.28.3
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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