Unknown Artist
| Artist Name | Unknown Artist |
|---|---|
| Title | Portrait of Helena Fourment, Ruben's Second Wife |
| Description | This stunning Old Master 18th century portrait oil painting has previously been attributed to Sir Peter Paul Rubens. Indeed the sitter, Helena Fourment or Hélène Fourment (11 April 1614 – 15 July 1673) was the second wife of Baroque painter Rubens. She was the subject of a few portraits by Rubens, and also modeled for other religious and mythological paintings. The painting previously came out of Althorp House, home to Lady Diana's family, the Spencers, having graced their walls for centuries. The composition is a stunning half length portrait of Ruben's wife Helena in a black dress and gorgeous straw hat. There is a superb backdrop of sky beyond her making her appear to really dominate the canvas. Helena is gazing at the viewer and indeed the artist and half smiling. |
| Provenance | The Spencer Family, Althorp, before 1746 (their wax seal on the reverse) by whom sold to a private collection, UK. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 25 x 30 inches |
| Frame | Housed in a complementary period carved frame, 38 inches by 33 inches and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Price | £50,000 |
