Rubens Self Portrait With Isabella Brant Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

This is a double portrait of Peter Paul Rubens and Isabella Brant, painted around 1609. Rubens, on the left, is dressed in dark, rich attire, including a patterned doublet, a broad-brimmed hat, and a flowing crimson cloak. He has a beard and mustache and sports a ring on his left hand. Isabella Brant, on the right, is adorned in a similarly lavish fashion, with a wide, ruffled collar, an elaborate hat, and a voluminous red gown richly ornamented with gold trim.
The painting is set in an outdoor, verdant space, suggested by the lush foliage and flowering vines in the background and the earthy ground beneath them. The couple is positioned closely together, their hands interlinked, symbolizing their marital bond. Their poses are relaxed yet formal, suggesting a sense of intimacy and social standing.
The subtexts of the painting revolve around themes of love, marriage, status, and prosperity. The opulent clothing and jewelry indicate the success and wealth of the couple, especially Rubens as a renowned artist. The direct gaze of both figures, particularly Isabellas engaging look towards the viewer, conveys confidence and self-assurance. The interlocked hands are a clear symbol of their union and affection. The inclusion of lush nature suggests fertility and the continuation of their lineage. The overall impression is one of a happy, prosperous, and well-established couple at the height of their relationship and careers.