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Old Masters to 19th Century
Peter Paul Rubens, "Portrait of Madame de Vicq", 1625
Madame de Vicq was the wife of Henri de Vicq, the Flemish Ambassador in Paris in the 17th century. De Vicq helped Rubens to receive his first important international commission, and a token of thanks, Rubens drew portraits of the couple.
Rubens' mastery of texture is shown in his depiction of Madame Vicq - in the details of the cloth, skin, upper collar , sleeves, and the gold cross hanging from her neck. She wears a black satin dress with cut sleeves and the collar is of a multi-layered white cloth with sharp edges, and on her breast are two inset gem chains. The red damask curtain behind her is depicted with free brush strokes of glazes which are thin coats of partially transparent color.
Peter Paul Rubens is considered one of the greatest Flemish artists of the 17th century, and one of the most important artists in the history of art in general, and during the Baroque period in particular. Besides being an outstanding painter full of life, successful and prolific, Rubens was also an enthusiastic collector of art, and a polished member of the court who served as a diplomat, through which he made the acquaintance of the de Vicqs.
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The two portraits of the couple remained together until 1841, whereupon they were sold separately. The portrait of Madame Vicq was acquired by a private family in London, where it remained until it was purchased by the Tel Aviv Museum of Art; the Portrait of the Ambassador Henri de Vicq is presently at the Musee du Louvre in Paris.
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