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Charlotte Mason Picture Study Aid Peter Paul Rubens

Isabella Brant

c. 1621-1622
chalk on paper
38.1 cm x 29.4 cm
British Museum

KEY TOPICS:

• The subject is the head and shoulders of Isabella Brant, Rubens’ first wife who died in 1626

(most likely from the plague). The piece was done in red and black chalk and is said to be
one of his most finished sketches.
7
• In preparation for en exhibition in 1964, this piece was

removed from its mounting and another very rough
sketch, of Rubens, his second wife, Helena, and one of

their children, was found on the back of it (or verso).
7
• After her death, Rubens said of Isabella, “Truly I have

lost an excellent companion, whom one could love – had to

love, with good reason – as having none of the faults of her
sex. She had no capricious moods, and no feminine

weaknesses, but was all goodness and honesty.”
7
• On the lower-right side and verso, there are several

collector marks from various individuals who have owned the sketch over the years.

7 (Logan, Plomp and Metropolitan Museum of Art)

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