Artwork
Jeanne D'Albret, Queen of Navarre and Mother of Henry IV of France
Jeanne D'Albret, Queen of Navarre and Mother of Henry IV of France is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Marc Duval. It dates from 1556 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Marc Duval’s 1556 engraving presents Jeanne d’Albret, the reigning queen of Navarre and mother of future French king Henry IV. Executed as a print, the image captures the monarch in a poised, introspective stance, emphasizing her status and intellectual presence.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait shows the queen in elaborate Renaissance dress, complete with a ruffled collar and a modest hat. She holds a book, her hands resting upon its pages, suggesting literacy and piety, while her composed expression conveys a measured authority.
Technique & Style
Duval employs fine line work characteristic of mid‑sixteenth‑century engraving, rendering textures of fabric and the subtle shading of a dark backdrop. The use of a heavy curtain behind the figure adds depth and frames the subject within a restrained, almost theatrical space.
History & Provenance
Created in 1556, the print was likely intended for circulation among the French and Navarrese courts, reinforcing Jeanne d’Albret’s political image. Surviving copies have appeared in several European collections, reflecting the work’s continued relevance to scholars of Renaissance portraiture.
Context
The engraving aligns with the broader Renaissance trend of portraying sovereigns as learned and virtuous rulers. By depicting the queen with a book, Duval underscores the humanist values that were gaining prominence among the elite of the period.
Artist & collection
