| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | James McArdell after Sir Anthony Van Dyck |
| Published | [c.1742] |
| Dimensions | Image 340 x 250 mm, Plate 353 x 250 mm, Sheet 360 x 260 mm |
| Notes |
A full-length portrait of Helena Fourment. Helena is depicted standing facing directly forward. Her hands are wrapped around her waist, with her left hand grasping an ostrich feather. She wears a rich black gown, a plumed hat and a delicate lace ruff. A wooded landscape can be seen either side of the sitter. Helena Fourment (1614 - 1673) was the second wife of Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Helena was the youngest daughter of the wealthy Antwerp silk and carpet merchant Daniël I Fourment and his wife Clara Stappaerts. She married Rubens when she was just 16 years old, Rubens being significantly older at 53. She sat for Rubens on many occasions, for portraits and for other religious and mythological works. James McArdell (1729 – 1765) was a mezzotinter. He was born in Dublin, and studied under Brooks. He travelled to London with Brooks c. 1746. McArdell is regarded as the outstanding mezzotinter of the so-called Dublin school, concentrating mostly on portraits. He is believed to have been Reynolds favourite engraver. He published his own plates, most of which were purchased after his death by Robert Sayer. Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) was one of the most prominent Flemish Baroque painters. Born in Antwerp, he was a pupil of Hendrik van Balen, but was soon noticed by Rubens with whom he would work closely during his early career. Van Dyck became a master of the St Luke Guild in 1618, went on to paint in Italy from 1621-1626, and then worked predominantly in England from 1632 onwards, where he was knighted by Charles I. Van Dyck was very prolific, he produced many portraits for members of the European aristocracy, as well as religious and mythological paintings and works on paper. Chaloner Smith 69, i/iv, Goodwin 120, i/v Condition: Proof before letters. 4mm margins, tape to verso, areas of thinning to verso, small tear to top left corner, some tears to sheet edge, some creasing to top corners and skirt area of image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £280.00 |
| Stock ID | 46763 |