Frans Pourbus: Drawings & Paintings (Annotated)

Frans Pourbus the Younger, often referred to simply as “Frans II” to be distinguished by his father Frans Pourbus the Elder (“Frans I”)  originated from a descendant family of artists, his grandfathers were also members of the Antwerp Art Guild.
Pourbus the Younger was an associate of the artists' guild “Saint Luka” of Antwerp, but in practice, he spent most of his lifetime and occupation as the painter in another town, Brussels.
He began his successful career as an artist with paid orders for portraits of the Infanta Isabella the Spanish, after which he gained the glory of a very precise and brilliant portraitist.
He was sought by royal courts all over Europe for paid orders, including by Maria de 'Medici, and became a court artist along with Peter Paul Rubens in her Royal Court.
Frans Pourbus the Younger is mostly known as a portrait artist, but he has also painted pictures of historical and mythological themes.
His portraits were characterized by extraordinary precision and attention to detail, especially when he depicts fine fabrics, laces, and jewelry. With almost photographic precision and yet rich colors and deep shades, Pourbus the Younger recreates naturally the smallest detail in the clothing and accessories of the sitters.
Nowadays his portraits decorate the halls of the most famous museums in the world and are highly appreciated by art’s collectors.