Henry IV and Maria de Medici

Art Historical Context

Behold the intricate engraving *Henry IV and Maria de* by Simon de Passe, masterful print pulled from a silver medal engraved by the artist himself. Dating to the late 16th century (circa 1551–1600), this diminutive work measures just 6.2 × 5.2 cm, yet captures the regal profiles of France's King Henry IV and consort, Maria de Medici, in exquisite detail. Housed in the National Gallery Art's Rosenwald CollectionDepartment CG-E), it exemplifies the artistry of printmaking during a transformative era in European history. Henry IV, the first Bourbon king, ascended the throne in 1589 amid religious wars, famously converting to Catholicism with his pragmatic "Paris is worth a Mass." His 1600 marriage to Maria de Medici, a Medici princess from Florence, forged political alliances and secured the dynasty's future— their son would become Louis XIII. De Passe's engraving immortalizes this union, translating the medal's fine chasing and relief into a reproducible print, a technique that democratized royal imagery for collectors and admirers across Europe. This small-scale marvel highlights the technical prowess of engraving: incised lines on metal yield precise, tonal depth when inked and printed. As a print from a luxury silver medal, it bridges elite craftsmanship with wider dissemination, offering a window into the opulent world of Renaissance portraiture and the dawn of absolutist France. A true gem for history and art lovers alike!

About the Artist

Simon de Passe · 1590–1647

Simon de Passe (c. 1595–1647), born in Cologne to the renowned Dutch engraver and publisher Crispijn van de Passe the Elder and his wife Magdalene, grew up in a family dynasty of printmakers who had fled Antwerp due to religious persecution as Anabaptists. The second son among five siblings—four of whom became engravers, including brothers Crispijn II and Willem, and sister Magdalena—he trained un...