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Henri IV Receives the Portrait of Marie de' MediciHenri IV Receives the Portrait of Marie de' Medici © RMN-Grand Palais/Art Resource, NY

Henri IV Receives the Portrait of Marie de' Medici

Peter Paul Rubens. 1621–1625 C.E. Oil on canvas.

Curator Note

"Part of a massive 24-painting cycle commissioned by Marie de' Medici (Queen of France) to glorify her rather boring life. Rubens uses mythology to spice it up: Gods and allegorical figures convince King Henri IV that falling in love with Marie’s portrait is not just personal, but a matter of national importance."

Form

  • Baroque dynamism (swirling movement).
  • Rich, vibrant colors (Rubenesque).
  • Combination of real portraits and mythological figures.
  • Diagonal composition.
  • Loose, painterly brushwork.

Function

  • Propaganda: to legitimize Marie's rule as Regent.
  • To decorate the Luxembourg Palace.
  • To convince the French she was divinely chosen.
  • To gloss over her political failures.
  • To celebrate portions of her life.

Content

  • Henri IV: appearing smitten by the portrait.
  • Hymen (God of Marriage) and Amor (Cupid): presenting the photo.
  • Jupiter and Juno (King/Queen of Gods): looking down approvingly.
  • France (personification): whispering to Henri to marry her.
  • Battle smoke in back: Henri leaving war for love.

Context

  • Marie was unpopular and exiled by her son.
  • Rubens was the most famous painter in Europe (and a diplomat).
  • The marriage was actually a political arrangement.
  • Flemish Baroque style serving French royalty.
  • Rubens had a massive workshop.