Artwork
Elizabeth de Bourbon

Elizabeth de Bourbon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Thomas de Leu. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Elizabeth de Bourbon is a 1590 engraving by Thomas de Leu, a Flemish-born French engraver and publisher. The print depicts a noblewoman in ornate attire.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays Elizabeth de Bourbon, identified by the curved text around her head as 'Pouvrait de Madame la Duchesse de Navarre'. She is shown holding a small bird and a fan, standing against a decorative background. The image conveys the subject's nobility through her attire and accessories.
Technique & Style
The engraving is characterized by fine lines and shading, showcasing the artist's attention to detail. The level of precision in rendering the subject's dress and the bird's feathers is typical of engravings, where technique prioritizes detail over color.
History & Provenance
Created in 1590 by Thomas de Leu, the engraving is an example of reproductive printmaking, a genre in which the artist specialized. Leu's work, including portraits and religious imagery, was widely circulated in Europe during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas de Leu or Leeuw or Le Leup or Deleu (1560–1612) was a French engraver, publisher, and print dealer of Flemish origin.


















