Pierre Paul Rubens, the exchange of the two queens, engraving

Beautiful engraving by benoit audran after a painting by rubens. It depicts a ceremony on the andaye river that separates the two kingdoms, represented by allegorical figures in the lower part of the composition (triton, a sea nymph and a sea man). In this scene, isabella of bourbon crosses the river to spain and marry philip IV. It also represents the passage of anne of austria to france, to marry louis XIII. These two princesses stand on a kind of richly decorated bridge. Each is accompanied by a male allegorical figure representing both nations. France is dressed in fleurs-de-lis. As a blessing for this exchange, the allegorical figure of felicity pours out treasures from heaven. This engraving was designed by nattier but sculpted by benoit audran, known as "the old". It is published with the privilege of the king. Signed: rubens pinxit. I.m nattier delineavit. Ben. Audran sculpsit. Fold in the lower right corner. Very good quality of engraving with great finesse of execution. France 1710. Benoit audran, known as le vieux, was a french engraver of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is a great french engraver, he is recognized as such thanks to his engravings of works by antoine dieu, coypel or hallé. He was even more inspired when he began working on the works of colorist rubens. In the series of paintings devoted to the glory of queen marie de medici, he is responsible for engraving the birth of the queen and the exchange of the two queens. This engraver reproduced on metal many paintings of masters with great harmony and resemblance.

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