Engraving “L'Échange des deux Reines” – Audran after Rubens, 18th century

This antique copper engraving shows the allegorical scene of the "Exchange of the Two Princesses at Hendaye" (Anne of Austria & Elisabeth of Bourbon, shaking hands on a bridge) – engraved by Benoît Audran the Elder after a design by Jean-Marc Nattier and the original by Peter Paul Rubens , c. 1707–1710

Inscribed below the motif: ' Rubens pinxit / IM Nattier delineavit Ben. Audran sculpsit ' followed by the title 'l'exhange des deux reines' and a detailed description of the scene. At the end ' Se vend à Paris chez le Sr Duchange Graveur du Roy rue St. Jacques audessus de la rue des Mathurins. Avec Privilege du Roy. ' (" To be sold in Paris at Mr. Duchange, engraver to the King, in the Rue St. Jacques, above the Rue des Mathurins. With royal privilege. ") - This means that the engraving was protected by royal privilege. This privilege guaranteed the engraver or publisher exclusive printing and sales rights - comparable to a copyright today.

Artist: Benoit Audran the Elder (French, Lyon 1661-1721 Paris)

Artist: Interim draftsman Jean Marc Nattier (French, Paris 1685-1766 Paris)

Artist: After Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, Siegen 1577-1640 Antwerp)

Date of creation: 1707-10