Artwork
Portrait of Henry IV, king of France
Portrait of Henry IV, king of France is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist F., Jeaninet. It dates from 1777 and is held in the collection of the Leiden University Libraries. This work is a coloured replica of an original portrait by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting the French monarch Henry IV.
About this work
Overview
This work is a coloured replica of an original portrait by Peter Paul Rubens, depicting the French monarch Henry IV. The copy bears a pencilled inscription ‘749’ in the lower left corner, identifying it within a larger collection. The image presents the king in a formal stance, attired in elaborate court dress and displaying a resolute facial expression.
Subject & Meaning
The figure portrayed is Henry IV, ruler of France from 1589 to 1610, shown in the dignified posture typical of royal portraiture. The austere gaze and sumptuous garments convey authority and the cultivated image of monarchy that was central to early‑modern statecraft.
Technique & Style
Executed in colour, the copy follows Rubens’ compositional choices closely, reproducing the chiaroscuro modelling and subtle gradations of tone that characterize the master’s approach. The presence of the pencil mark suggests a studio practice of cataloguing works, while the overall handling reflects the academic copying methods used for training.
History & Provenance
The piece is identified as a derivative after Rubens, likely produced in a workshop setting where students reproduced celebrated works for study or sale. The pencilled number indicates its placement within a numbered inventory, hinting at a systematic collection or archival context.
Context
During the 17th and 18th centuries, copying esteemed paintings served both pedagogical and commercial purposes, allowing artists to disseminate iconic images of sovereigns. This replica illustrates how Rubens’ portrait of Henry IV functioned as a visual reference point for subsequent generations of painters.
