Rubens, Pieter Paul – Portrait of Lady-in-Waiting to the Infanta Isabella Hermitage ~ part 14 (Hi Resolution images)

This is a look at me, across the chasm of time.

The most striking painting in the Hermitage Museum. But why is she Lady with an Ermine? In past times, if Im not mistaken, there was a plaque beneath it that said Portrait of Infanta Isabella.

I was wrong – this is the portrait of the chambermaid of the Infanta Isabella.

Colonel, thank you for pointing out the error; it has been corrected.
The original title of the painting is Portrait of Lady-in-Waiting to the Infanta Isabella.

Simply mesmerizing eyes and a beautiful face!

I think we should still correct the title. The painting is captivating, and many people will think that this is what an infanta from the Habsburg family might have looked like. In Russia, the name Portrait of a Lady-in-Waiting has been established for a long time.

This is not Isabella Clara Eugenia; one must understand the art involved...

According to legend, this is Rubens daughter, who died young. He depicted her as she might have looked if she had lived. Any artist would know that.

For many years, this has been my favorite painting. Whenever I visit the Hermitage Museum, I always spend at least half an hour in front of it. It exudes such peace and tranquility. And its gaze brings serenity to the soul, and all negativity fades away.

In 1625, the year this painting was created, it is believed to depict Clara Serena, the daughter of Peter Paul. She did not live long enough to reach the age portrayed in the painting. A sketch of her face exists in the Liechtenstein Museum (Vaduz), and the facial features are similar. The painting was sold by the Croze family and later acquired by Catherine II for the Hermitage Museum.

And I like to look at this picture.