Portrait of Catherine de Bourbon

Jan (Johannes) Wierix|Paul de la Houve

1600 · Engraving · Drawings and Prints

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.

Artist

Jan (Johannes) Wierix|Paul de la Houve

Date

1600

Medium

Engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1923