Hortensia del Prado (d 1627), Wife of Jean Fourmenois 1596

Gortzius Geldorp painted this portrait of Hortensia del Prado, wife of Jean Fourmenois, using oil on panel. Although undated, it was likely made in the early 17th century. Here we see the codes and visual cues of the upwardly mobile bourgeoisie of Antwerp. Consider the costume, every element of which proclaims her family’s wealth and status. The severe black gown, relieved by gold embroidery, the extravagant millstone ruff, the elaborate jewelry, and the jeweled rings on her fingers, all point to a person of high standing within the community. It would be interesting to research the family and its business connections in the Antwerp of this period in order to more fully understand the social and economic factors that made possible the production of this image. It gives us a specific insight into the power structures and social aspirations of this particular time and place.