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Epitaph of Rubens

Petrus Clouet

1613

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

Epitaph of Rubens is a 1613 ink by Petrus Clouet, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Petrus Clouet
When & what style?: 1613 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows two robed figures standing on either side of a blank, arched frame. The woman on the left wears a hooded cloak and holds her hands together. The woman on the right stands with one hand resting on her hip, her hair pulled back. Below them, three small cherubs sit on a ledge, each holding objects like a skull and a shield. The blank space in the center was meant for a portrait—this is a memorial for Peter Paul Rubens, the famous painter. The skull and crossed bones hint at death, while the cherubs add a touch of life and protection. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Clouet carved intricate details into metal plates.