Jacqueline de Cordes - Timothy Cole

A fine wood engraving by Timothy Cole, reproducing the seventeenth-century portrait of Jacqueline de Cordes by Peter Paul Rubens.

This wood engraving by Timothy Cole reproduces the portrait of Jacqueline de Cordes, originally painted by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens. Cole was a highly skilled engraver who spent much of his career in Europe, documenting the great works of the Old Masters for American audiences through the medium of the woodblock. His technique involved an extraordinary level of precision, using varied line weights and cross-hatching to translate the tonal qualities of oil paint into monochrome print.

The subject, Jacqueline de Cordes, is depicted with a direct gaze, wearing the elaborate costume typical of the early seventeenth century. Her attire includes a high, lace-trimmed collar and a bodice adorned with decorative elements, reflecting the status of the sitter. Cole captures the texture of the fabric and the delicate jewellery with remarkable clarity. The dark, atmospheric background provides a contrast to the illuminated face and chest of the subject, drawing the viewer's attention to her expression.

Cole's work is notable for its fidelity to the original composition while demonstrating the unique capabilities of the wood engraving process. By avoiding the mechanical look of contemporary photomechanical reproductions, Cole maintained a tactile quality in his prints. This piece offers a window into the nineteenth-century practice of interpreting historical art through traditional printmaking methods. It remains a fine example of the technical mastery required to replicate the depth and character of a Baroque portrait in a smaller, printed format.