Portrait of Rubens' sons, Albert and Nikolaus 1750 - 1775

Eustache Danzel created this print of Rubens' sons, Albert and Nikolaus, in the 18th century. It reflects a moment in time where the portrayal of children in art began to shift, influenced by evolving ideas about childhood and family. Here we see two boys, presumably members of the upper class, dressed in ornate clothing, the elder brother protectively holding the younger, who is playing with string. The intimacy and candor departs from earlier, more formal, modes of portraiture and offers an intimate glimpse into the life of the family. Danzel invites us to reflect on the tenderness of fraternal bonds. The image does more than depict; it evokes the warmth of familial connection and perhaps reminds us of our own childhood attachments and relationships. It’s a tender expression of kinship amidst the backdrop of societal expectations.