Henry IV and Maria de Medici
1551 to 1600
Medium
engraving pulled from silver medal engraved by the artist
Dimensions
plate: 6.2 × 5.2 cm (2 7/16 × 2 1/16 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number
1943.3.9290
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 religio...
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...