Frans Pourbus the Elder
1545 - 1581
Born in Bruges, the son of Pieter Pourbus, under whom he first studied. In 1562 he went to Antwerp where he studied under Frans Floris,( See Frans Floris going to a St Lukes Day Feast, by Leys), and was admitted to the guild in 1569.
He painted some historical and religious subjects, but was principally a portrait painter. He died in Antwerp on 19 September 1581. His son, Frans Pourbus the younger (1569-1622), became portrait painter to Marie de Médicis of France.
Text © Wallace Collection, 2017
