Henri-Jules de Bourbon te paard in fantasiekostuum

About this artwork

plaatrand: hoogte 317 mm x breedte 263 mm

Art Historical Context

This etching by François Chauveau, created in 1670, portrays Henri-Jules de Bourbon, Prince of Condé, mounted on horseback in an elaborate fantasy costume. The work exemplifies the Baroque period’s fascination with grandeur and spectacle, where equestrian images served to convey nobility, power, chivalric ideals within the French court of Louis XIV. Chauveau, a skilled printmaker active in Paris, specialized in such dynamic compositions that blended portraiture with theatrical invention. Executed in etching—a medium prized for its ability to capture intricate line work and tonal subtlety—this print measures 317 by 263 mm and would have allowed wide circulation among collectors and courtiers. The fantastical attire transforms the prince into an almost mythical figure, reflecting 17th-century tastes for allegorical and festive imagery rather than strict realism. Such works helped shape public perceptions of aristocratic identity during a time when visual propaganda played a vital role in reinforcing social hierarchies. Today, the piece offers modern viewers a glimpse into the artistic techniques and cultural aspirations of Baroque France, where printmaking bridged fine art and popular dissemination.

About the Artist

François Chauveau · 1613–1676

Comment on works: Miniature painter; History; Genre; Portraits