The extraordinary beauty of Helena Fourment won for her the love of
a world famous painter when she was only sixteen years old. Peter
Paul Rubens married this girl, and immortalized her charms on many a
precious canvas. It was a most fortunate match. Helena was not only
beautiful; she had also every attraction of nature and education, and
belonged to a wealthy family. Rubens was a widower, and one of the most
celebrated painters in Europe. More than that, he was a distinguished
and successful statesman.
Fortunate throughout his life, brilliant, handsome, and of good family,
Rubens was never in doubt of his future. His talent for painting
showed itself in boyhood. At the age of twenty-three he went to Italy,
where he soon attracted the notice of the Duke of Mantua. Partly as
art expert, partly as diplomat, he went in the Duke’s service to all
the important cities of Italy. He spent eight years in that country,
sometimes painting for his patron, but more often travelling on
political missions.
Recalled to Antwerp by the serious illness of his mother in 1608,
Rubens arrived too late to see her again alive, and, no doubt feeling
the strength of home ties, resigned from the service of the Duke
immediately. High positions and great honors awaited him in his native
city. His fame grew year by year.
Isabella Brandt became his wife in 1608. She is described as a rather
heavy Flemish woman, and her face and figure appear frequently in
Rubens’ work of that period. After her death and before his second
marriage he was called upon to arrange terms of peace between England
and Spain. It was the most important event of his life. In Spain he
met Velasquez and earned the friendship of King Philip. He was honored
in England by Charles I, who presented him with a string of valuable
diamonds in appreciation of his services. The painter also strengthened
a friendship already established with the Duke of Buckingham.
After the successes abroad Rubens retired to a home in the country,
devoting himself more than ever to the work of painting. An alchemist
went to him one day, claiming to have discovered the philosopher’s
stone, which turned everything it touched into gold.
“But,” objected Rubens, “I have discovered it myself.”
“The philosopher’s stone?” exclaimed his visitor.
“Yes, and you shall see it,” answered the painter.
Leading the astonished guest into his studio, Rubens showed his palette.
Helena Fourment was still young when Rubens died. She did not remain
long in widowhood; but married the Count of Bergeyck, with whom, so far
as is known, she lived in peace and happiness.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR, VOL. 1, NO. 28, SERIAL NO. 28
[Illustration: SASKIA VAN ULENBURG. BY REMBRANDT]
_THE WIFE IN ART_
_Rembrandt and Saskia Van Ulenburg_