D. Petrus Paulus Rubbens Eques Paulus Pontius (1603-1658)

The engraving presents a half-length portrait of a man facing forward, his gaze directed towards the viewer. He is depicted with a full beard and elaborate, curly hair that frames his face, suggesting maturity and perhaps a certain degree of vanity. The artist has rendered the facial features with considerable detail, emphasizing the lines around the eyes and mouth to convey an impression of intelligence and experience.
The man is draped in what appears to be a dark cloak or mantle, its folds meticulously etched to create a sense of volume and texture. A lighter-colored collar peeks out from beneath the cloak, providing a contrast that draws attention to the neck and upper chest area. The play of light and shadow across the fabric contributes significantly to the overall depth and dynamism of the composition.
The background is left largely unadorned, consisting primarily of dense crosshatching which serves to isolate the figure and focus the viewers attention on his presence. This technique also lends a sense of gravitas and formality to the portrait.
Beneath the image, inscribed text identifies the subject as D. Petrus Paulus Rubbens Eques, further specifying his status with the titles “Regi Catolico in Sanctione” and “Secretis Aevi sui Apelles Antverpie.” These designations suggest a person of considerable importance – a knight serving the Catholic King, and one who is likened to Apelles, the renowned ancient Greek painter. The comparison to Apelles implies that this man possesses not only political or military significance but also artistic sensibilities or patronage.
The overall effect is one of dignified authority and intellectual depth. The artist has sought to portray a man of substance, emphasizing his status through both visual cues – the elaborate attire and carefully rendered features – and textual inscription.