Le Chapeau de Paille
Rubens

Probably 1622-1625
Full title "Portrait of Susanna Lunden (?) (Le Chapeau de Paille)"
Wood (oak), 79x54 cm

This is one of Rubens'most famous paintings in the Collection. The title "Le Chapeau de Paille", meaning "The Straw Hat", was first used in the 18th century. In fact the hat is not straw; paille[/] may be an error for [i]poil, which is felt. The hat, with its curling feathers, is the most prominent feature of the painting, shading the face of the sitter.

She is probably Susanna Lunden, third daughter of Daniel Fourment, an Antwerp tapestry and silk merchant. Her younger sister Helena become Rubens' second wife.


Construction of the Picture

As was his custom, Rubens enlarged the painting as the work proceeded, adding a third strip of wood at the right and then enlarging the picture at the base.

At the start there was a greater concentration of a figure and on the hat, which was central to the composition.

The additions created a greater expanse of sky an Rubens added clouds to the right.
These contrast with clearer sky to the left, from which the light falls across the body and hands.

By setting the picture outdoors, Rubens gives himself the opportunity for a virtuoso depiction of the effects of light, especially the reflected light in the shadows of Susanna's face.


Susanna and Helena Fourment

Susanna Fourment married Arnold Lunden, her second husband, in 1622. The portrait probably dates from about that time.

The direct glance from under the shadow of the hat, the attention directed to the body, and the ring on the finger, all suggest that the painting is a marriage portrait.

Rubens married Helena, Susanna's younger sister, in 1630.