Equestrian Portrait Of Louis XIII As A Child And Henry IV Oil On Copper 17th Century King Of France

Two superb copper oils representing the king of France Henri IV and his son Louis XIII.
They are dated from the beginning of the 17th century.

Equestrian portrait of king Henri IV (1553-1610)

This equestrian portrait depicts King Henry IV, first ruler of the Bourbon dynasty, in a majestic posture, in armor, riding on a horse. The king, symbolizing power and authority, holds in his right hand a command staff, an emblem of his military authority. Around his neck, he wears the order of the Holy Spirit.

In the lower part of the work, an inscription in Latin refers to the king under the title: "HENRICUS IIII DC FRAN ET NAV REX", which means: "Henry IV, by the grace of God, king of France and Navarre. This mention reinforces the sacred nature of his kingship and its divine legitimacy.

This oil on copper is full of details, we find his coat of arms, placed in the upper right. The background reveals a city, probably a representation of Paris or another emblematic city of his kingdom, symbolizing his role as protector and builder of the nation.

Equestrian portrait of Louis XIII (1601-1643) child

The second oil on copper during the first, represents the successor of Henry IV, Louis XIII child future king of France.
Like his father, he is represented in majesty, on horseback. Very young, he still does not wear armor but noble clothes and the typical strawberry of the time.

He also holds in his right hand a command staff, symbol of his future accession to power. His horse is richly decorated.
As on the first oil on copper, we find in the upper part the coat of arms of Louis XIII. Also in the lower part it is named: “LOUIS XIII DC FRAN ET NAV REX”.

Copper works depicting Henry IV and Louis XIII in equestrian portraits are extremely rare. There is only one other to my knowledge in the Carnavalet museum in Paris (equestrian portrait of Henry IV).

These works are to be compared with the works of Louis de Caullery, who regularly painted on brass. The subject, the finesse of execution of details, horses necessarily implies the talent of a seventeenth century master. A great discovery remains to be made.

In their natural juices, the two copper oils have a beautiful network of old cracks.
Some small shortcomings are to report, a little cleaning would give back more vibrant colors. They are in very good condition for the time, no repainting is to report.

They are sold with their frames to be restored.

Dimensions: 22 x 17 cm
Frame dimensions: 26 x 21 cm

We are looking for old portraits (17th and 18th).

Photos are taken in natural light.
Careful packaging.
Shipping costs are borne by the buyer.
I remain at your disposal for any additional information and photos.