The Gallery's most interesting painting
is the portrait of Helen Fourment, wife of the great Baroque period
painter P. P. Rubens. The portrait is assumed to be his work primarily
because of the way it was painted. In spite of certain disagreements
as to the author's name, the label on the back of the painting
was nevertheless crucial for attribution. Namely, the label indicates
that it is a second, more recent copy of the painting. The reference
is obviously made to Rubens' portrait with the same name. If this
is true, the painting is not only the Varazdin Gallery's greatest
discovery, but also without a doubt its most valuable possession.
The painting originates from the Leitner family estate in Jalkovec.
The family was in constant touch with Amsterdam. It is interesting
to note that the same painting - perhaps the one that was painted
first - may be found at the Palazzo Pitti Gallery in Florence.
An extraordinary experession of the figure has
been achieved by colour shades. The material character of certain
wardrobe and adornment details furtherly substantiates assumptions
on its author.
