Object Image

The Infanta Isabel Clara Eugenia, Governess of The Netherlands (1566-1633)

This portrait is a pair with B.M.277. It was the custom to paint such pairs of portraits to commemorate a marriage or important event, e.g. elevation in rank.

Dona Isabella was the sister of Philip III of Spain. She married her second cousin Archduke Albert of Austria, younger brother of the Emperor Rudolf II of Austria. They were made joint Governors of the Spanish Netherlands in 1598 (or our 1599 depending on how one calculates years. At that time, years ended on 31 March). Dona Isabella was succeeded in this post by the Cardinal Infante Don Fernando....

1595-1605
Oil on canvas
198.1 x 111.8cm
Images and text © Bowes Museum, 2017

Where you'll find this

The Bowes Museum
Permanent collection