Artwork
Louis XIII, King of France
Louis XIII, King of France is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Karel van Mallery. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1603 engraving by Karel van Mallery portrays Louis XIII, who would ascend to the French throne in 1610 at the age of nine. The work exemplifies Mallery's proficiency in portraiture, a key aspect of his output alongside religious themes and reproductive engravings.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting Louis XIII in youthful, regal attire, the engraving conveys an image of nascent authority. The detailed, symbolic accoutrements—a sword, striped coat, feathered hat, and heraldic shields—emphasize the subject's impending royal status and lineage.
Technique & Style
Executed with meticulous attention to detail, the engraving showcases Mallery's technical skill through intricate lines and textures, characteristic of the refined craftsmanship of early 17th-century Flemish engraving.
History & Provenance
Created in 1603 by Karel van Mallery, a Flemish engraver active in Antwerp and Paris, this piece predates Louis XIII's accession by seven years, reflecting the anticipation of his future role.
Context
The engraving is contextualized within the broader artistic trends of the Renaissance, a period that valued detailed realism and the depiction of power through portraiture.
Legacy
While specific later influence of this engraving is not highlighted, it contributes to the broader legacy of Mallery's reproductive and portrait engravings, reflecting the artistic and political climate of his time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karel van Mallery (1571–1635?) was a Flemish engraver who mainly worked on religious subjects and portraits and was also a reproductive engraver. He worked in Antwerp and Paris.
