Isabella Clara Eugenia

This engraving shows the Spanish infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia in a sumptuous dress with lace cuffs and a large ruff. The portrait was created during the lifetime of her husband, Archduke Albert VII von Habsburg. After his death, Isabella went from being joint sovereign of the Southern Netherlands to becoming the territory’s Spanish governess. From then on, she wore the simple habit of the Poor Clares – a stark contrast to this imposing portrait.