Artwork
Henri IV and Maria de Medici [top half]
![Henri IV and Maria de Medici [top half], by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1621](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--henri-iv-and-maria-de-medici-top-half--a29b3f7ac2e1d6f2-w1024.webp)
Henri IV and Maria de Medici [top half] is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Simon van de Passe. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Simon van de Passe’s 1621 print presents the upper half of a portrait pair featuring King Henri IV and his consort Maria de Medici. Executed as an engraving derived from a silver medal, the image captures the monarch in regal attire, crowned and holding a scepter, against a plain background framed by a circular inscription of their names.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is the bearded Henri IV, depicted with his profile turned slightly, emphasizing his authority through crown and scepter. The surrounding circular legend identifies both Henri IV and Maria de Medici, suggesting the work functioned as a commemorative portrait of the royal couple, highlighting dynastic legitimacy.
Technique & Style
Van de Passe employed the intaglio engraving process, incising fine lines into a metal plate to reproduce the details of the original silver medal. The delicate hatching creates subtle shading in the hair, fabric, and crown, while the crisp lettering around the edge demonstrates the artist’s skill in balancing portraiture with ornamental typography.
History & Provenance
Created in 1621, the print reflects the early‑17th‑century demand for portable reproductions of royal iconography. As a pull from a silver medal, it would have circulated among collectors and court patrons, serving both as a decorative object and a means of disseminating the royal image beyond France.
Context
The engraving emerges during a period when the House of Bourbon sought to solidify its image after the Wars of Religion. Portraits of Henri IV and Maria de Medici were widely reproduced to reinforce the legitimacy of their lineage and to promote the political alliance forged through their marriage.
Artist & collection
![Henri IV and Maria de Medici [top half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--henri-iv-and-maria-de-medici-top-half--98962418b82aafde-w320.webp)
Henri IV and Maria de Medici [top half]![Henry IV and Maria de Medici [left half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--henry-iv-and-maria-de-medici-left-half--4735bcfe9297099e-w320.webp)
Henry IV and Maria de Medici [left half]![Henry IV and Maria de Medici [right half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--henry-iv-and-maria-de-medici-right-half--be7eb365c4b93e40-w320.webp)
Henry IV and Maria de Medici [right half]
Henry IV and Maria de Medici
Henry IV and Maria de Medici![Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [bottom half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shields-of-henry-iv-and-maria-de-medici-bottom-half--bc9a63fd04d9aa1d-w320.webp)
Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [bottom half]![Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [left half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shields-of-henry-iv-and-maria-de-medici-left-half--5519ad988b3edc15-w320.webp)
Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [left half]![Shields of Henri IV and Maria de Medici [bottom half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shields-of-henri-iv-and-maria-de-medici-bottom-half--afd8e415db9e1412-w320.webp)
Shields of Henri IV and Maria de Medici [bottom half]