Catherine de Bourbon

Thomas de Leu

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a bust-length portrait of a woman, capturing her from the shoulders up. She is positioned facing slightly to the right, with her head turned towards the viewer. Her facial features include a high forehead, narrow eyes, a long nose, and a small mouth. Her hair is styled in elaborately curled waves, gathered into an updo adorned with a decorative ornament at the top. She is wearing a high, pleated ruff around her neck, and her dress is richly decorated with intricate patterns featuring cross motifs and ornamental designs, along with rows of ornamentation that resemble pearls. Her attire is luxurious and detailed, suggesting a high status. She also has drop earrings and a large, conspicuous brooch on her chest. The background of the image is plain, emphasizing the ornate details of her attire and the rigidity of her posture. Around the portrait is an oval frame with text encircling it.