Portrait of Henry IV as the God Mars
Oil on canvas / H. 186 x L. 135 cm
It is an athletic and triumphant Henry IV that we can admire in this famous portrait, successively attributed to Ambroise Dubois then to Jacob Bunel, two of the king's painters belonging to the second school of Fontainebleau. Dating...
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Portrait of Henry IV as the God Mars
Oil on canvas / H. 186 x L. 135 cm
It is an athletic and triumphant Henry IV that we can admire in this famous portrait, successively attributed to Ambroise Dubois then to Jacob Bunel, two of the king's painters belonging to the second school of Fontainebleau. Dating from the early years of the 17th century (around 1605-1606), this large oil on canvas undoubtedly belonged to the renovated decor of one of the king's palaces. Henry IV is represented there as an emperor, triumphant over enemies whose remains, armor, helmets and weapons he tramples underfoot.
His head crowned with laurels, holding the staff of command in his right hand, the king is dressed in deep pink armor which contrasts strongly with the green of the background curtains. The face of Henry IV, very expressive, with graying hair and beard, fine wrinkles and a slight smile, is that of a sovereign, certainly triumphant, but also benevolent whose reign aims to be peacemaking.
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