Marie de Medici (?)
Frans Pourbus the Younger
(Flemish, 1569–1622)
Early 17th century
Medium/TechniqueOil on copper or gold, mounted on wood
DimensionsWith wood support: 8.6 x 6.7 cm (3 3/8 x 2 5/8 in.)
Copper only: 7.7 x 5.9 cm (3 1/16 x 2 5/16 in.)
Copper only: 7.7 x 5.9 cm (3 1/16 x 2 5/16 in.)
Credit LineGift of Barbara Ketcham Wheaton in memory of Ruth Van Sciver Ketcham Lauer
Accession number2012.745
On View
On viewClassificationsMiniatures
Collections
Due to their intimate scale and careful finish, portrait miniatures were cherished objects in the 16th and 17th centuries. Often stored in purpose-built locked cabinets, they were presented as tokens of friendship or diplomatic gifts and shown only to close acquaintances. These two portraits are executed on comparatively expensive and durable copper supports, which reflect light to enhance their luminous, jewel-like appearances. The sitters’ identities are not known, but their fine cambric collars edged with needlepoint lace indicate that they came from the highest echelon of European society.
ProvenanceAbout 1959, acquired in Europe (possibly the Netherlands) by Ruth Van Sciver Ketcham Lauer (b. 1906 – d. 2005), Pennsylvania; 1999, by inheritance to her daughter, Barbara Wheaton, Lexington, MA; 2012, gift of Barbara Wheaton to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 24, 2012)
Frans Snyders
Frans Snyders
