Portrait of Hippocrates engraved by P. Pontius after Peter Paul Rubens

Rubens, Peter Paul (1577-1640). Hippocrates Hiraclidae F. Cous. Ex marmoro antique. Engraving by Paulus Pontius [Paulus du Pont](1603-58) after Rubens. N.p. [Antwerp], 1638. 304 x 220 mm. Tiny pin-holes in upper left and lower right corners, 2 small circular stamps on verso, one reading "Stempel Tilgungs." Fine.

An excellent impression of this well-known engraving, done by Paulus Pontius after Rubens's drawing of an antique bust of Hippocrates. "Rubens's involvement in printmaking began in earnest when he was about thirty. . . .[H]is participation in printmaking set new standards, especially for book illustrations and the reproductive print" (Logan & Plomp, "Peter Paul Rubens as Draftsman," metmuseum [internet reference]). The "Hippocrates" is the only separately issued print we know of by Rubens that is of medical interest. Paulus Pontius was a master engraver and the primary artist responsible for making engravings after Rubens's work; he lived in Rubens's home until a year after the latter's death.