 Pourbus was also a very active member of the Bruges Guild of Sculptors and Saddlers.During this period Pourbus became notable for his portraits of nobility and wealthy merchants.His "Portrait of a Noble Young Lady" is considered by many art historians, such as Paul Huvenne, to be one of the best examples of his portraiture; he writes that "[Pourbus] manages to lift the striking likeness that is expected of any portrait to an icon that radiates societal and spiritual values.