Lucas Vorsterman

(1595 Zaltbommel – 1675 Antwerp)

A native of the northern Netherlands, Lucas Vorsterman was undoubtedly one of the most gifted reproductive engravers to work for Pieter Paul Rubens. He entered the service of the Antwerp master in 1618 and in the following years produced a series of large-format engravings after paintings by the artist, which contributed considerably to Rubens’ fame in Europe. Because of Vorsterman’s wayward and ambitious character, however, a final rift occurred in 1622 between the aspiring young talent and the "prince of painters". That very same year the Grand Duchess Isabella granted Vorsterman a privilege that guaranteed him the right to publish engravings up to the year 1628.