Artwork
Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [right half]
![Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [right half], by Simon van de Passe, ink, 1621](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shields-of-henry-iv-and-maria-de-medici-right-half--48fe183166ad877f-w1024.webp)
Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [right 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
Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [right half] is a print created by Simon van de Passe in 1621 through the process of engraving a silver medal.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts two stacked shields beneath a crown, surrounded by ornate scrolls, leaves, and a wreath with small globes. The presence of France's fleur-de-lis symbol on one shield and a crown suggests the design was intended for a member of royalty or someone of high stature.
Technique & Style
The print was made by engraving a silver medal, demonstrating the artist's skill in carving fine details into metal. The level of intricacy achieved in the design, including the diamond pattern and pearls on one shield, showcases the technique's capabilities.
Artist & collection








![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 [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 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)


![Shield of James I [bottom half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shield-of-james-i-bottom-half--1018ac0722c9b8d5-w320.webp)
![Shield of James I [bottom half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shield-of-james-i-bottom-half--ba628f9c8498bd19-w320.webp)
![Shield of Queen Elizabeth [left half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shield-of-queen-elizabeth-left-half--f4b61579dbc6b41d-w320.webp)


![Shield of James I [bottom half], by Simon van de Passe](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/simon-van-de-passe--shield-of-james-i-bottom-half--5f78c9059311c27d-w320.webp)
