The artwork titled “Susanna Fourment” is a portrait by the esteemed artist Peter Paul Rubens, dated to circa 1620. This piece, executed in chalk, is indicative of the Baroque art movement and measures 34 by 25 centimeters. The genre of the work is classified as both a portrait and a tronie, which is a type of work that focuses on the face or expression of the subject.
Looking at the artwork, one can observe the skilled use of chalk to render the subtle gradations of tone and texture in the complexion of the subject. Susanna Fourment’s gaze is gently directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of immediacy and connection. Her hair is adorned with what appears to be a delicate braid, while a hint of her attire suggests a garment of the period, draped effortlessly across her shoulders. The choice of colors, with their warm flesh tones set against the neutral background, emphasizes the subject’s facial features, highlighting Rubens’ mastery of capturing human expression through deft strokes and nuanced shading. The artist’s signature is found on the bottom right corner, confirming the authenticity and provenance of the portrait.
