Who painted Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici?

Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici was painted by Simon van de Passe in 1621.

Where can I see Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici?

Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici?

Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici

Simon van de Passe , 1621

Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici 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 engraving presents a pair of heraldic shields, each bearing distinct motifs—a cross punctuated by small dots on one, and a trio of stylised blossoms on the other—topped by an ornate crown. The composition is enclosed within a decorative framework of swirling foliage and a laurel wreath, rendered entirely in black‑and‑white line work.

Subject & Meaning

The two shields represent the arms of Henry IV of France and his consort, Maria de’ Medici, their initials subtly embedded in the central space as “HK.” The juxtaposition of martial and floral symbols reflects the union of royal authority and dynastic alliance, while the surrounding garland suggests triumph and legitimacy.

Technique & Style

Van de Passe first incised the design onto a silver medal, then transferred the image onto a copper plate for printmaking. The engraving displays fine hatching and delicate line modulation, characteristic of early 17th‑century Dutch print techniques, allowing intricate details such as the dotted cross and the petal forms to emerge with clarity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1621, the print was likely intended as a commemorative illustration of the French royal couple’s heraldry. Copies circulated among collectors of courtly memorabilia, and the work now appears in several European print collections, evidencing van de Passe’s role in disseminating royal iconography beyond the original metal medal.

Context

The early 1600s saw a surge in the production of portraiture and heraldic prints that celebrated monarchical power across Europe. Van de Passe, a prominent engraver working in the Dutch Republic, frequently reproduced medals and seals, translating the permanence of metal into the reproducibility of paper, thereby extending the visual reach of royal propaganda.