Catherine of Bourbon, Sister of Henry IV

Thomas de Leu

National Gallery of Art

This is an engraved portrait showing the upper body of a woman, identified as Catherine de Bourbon. She is positioned facing forward, with her head slightly turned to her right. Her facial features include a high forehead and fine eyebrows, and she has a modest, composed expression. Her hair is styled in an ornate fashion typical of the period, with a large, rounded puff encircling her head. The woman is dressed in elaborate clothing, characterized by a high, pleated ruff around her neck and a richly detailed dress adorned with intricate patterns and pearls. She appears to be wearing several strands of pearls across her chest as part of her attire. The surrounding setting is an intricately designed oval border containing text. The background of the portrait is filled with elaborate cross-hatching, creating a textured appearance, and the border frame includes her name. Below the portrait is a section of text in French.