_Frans Pourbus, the younger_ (Flemish: 1569-1622).
Pourbus, son of Frans Pourbus the elder, was born at Antwerp,
and by 1591 was a master in the Guild of St. Luke. He was
employed by the Archduke Albert at Antwerp, at whose court
he attracted the notice of the Duke of Mantua. The Duke took
him into his service (1600-1609), and he shared with Rubens
the title of Painter to the Ducal Court. At Mantua he worked
at "a collection of the most beautiful women in the world,
whether princesses or private ladies." Like Rubens, Pourbus was
occasionally employed as Ambassador, and a mission to Paris
caused him to forsake Italy for France. Eleanor of Mantua was
a sister of Marie de' Medici, and Pourbus finally settled in
Paris as Painter to the Queen. There is a portrait of the queen
by him at Hampton Court.