Author: Falcini, Domenico (1575-c. 1632), after Rubens, Peter Paul (1577-1640)
Title: [Original engraving/gravure] LVDOVICVS XIII GALLIA ET NAVARRAE REX CHRISTIANISSIMVS. (Portrait of Louis XIII)/Lodewijk de 13e.
Description: Bust portrait of Louis XIII, inspired to the portrait of the king by Rubens in Pasadena, at The Norton Simon Foundation (inv. F.1965.1.060.P), painted in ca. 1620-1622. Head slightly turned to the left, ruff collar and delicately engraved armor. In oval frame, inscribed at bottom: LVDOVICVS XIII GALLIA ET NAVARRAE REX CHRISTIANISSIMVS. Not signed, but an inscription at verso in pencil provides the attribution: Domenico del Falcino. There are very few works known by this skilled engraver from Siena, about eighty pieces. He worked at book illustrations, frontispieces and thesis prints not only as a designer but also as a publisher. Wide is the subject range, although religious scenes are the most common by his hand. He worked with Luca Ciamberlano and Cesare Bassano among others. Date of publishing ca 1630. Engraving on paper, trimmed to/within plate mark; total: 362 x 268 mm; some reparations, especially visible from the verso; on verso handwritten notes in pencil and one inscription in pen and brown ink. In some parts, the paper is thinner. Repaired tear at bottom right. Some dirt and bowning paper but extremely interesting plate.

Keywords: France|Male|Portraits