Antonius Van Dyck Eques and Peter Paul Rubens Eques Paulus Pontius (1603-1658)

The engraving presents two male figures framed within elaborate, symmetrical cartouches, set against a dark background. The composition is dominated by a central allegorical grouping that connects the portraits.
On the left, a man with a full beard and intense gaze appears in profile, his hand resting on a rolled parchment or canvas. A small fleur-de-lis adorns his attire, suggesting nobility or association with a royal court. To his right, another man, similarly dressed and also in profile, mirrors this pose. His expression is more reserved than that of the figure to his left. Both men are depicted as Eques, indicating their status as knights.
Above these portraits, two busts emerge from a dense arrangement of foliage and laurel wreaths. The central bust wears a Roman helmet, evoking associations with classical antiquity and military prowess. Inscriptions flank this central figure, identifying them as “Pictor Antverpiensis,” or painter of Antwerp.
Below the busts, two cherubic figures are positioned on either side of a globe. One holds a torch aloft, symbolizing enlightenment and artistic inspiration. The other appears to be gesturing towards the portraits below, drawing attention to the individuals depicted. The globe itself is rendered with considerable detail, suggesting a broader scope of influence or recognition for these men.
The overall effect is one of grandeur and celebration. The use of classical motifs – the helmet, laurel wreaths, cherubs, and the globe – elevates the subjects beyond mere portraiture, presenting them as figures of significant cultural and artistic importance. The symmetry reinforces this sense of balance and harmony, while the dark background focuses attention on the illuminated figures and their symbolic attributes. The engraving seems intended to commemorate these men not just as artists but as esteemed members of society, worthy of recognition and honor.