Marriage of Henry II and Catherine de' Medici, The Dowry
c. 1562
Medium
Pen and brown ink, with brush and brown wash, heightened with lead-white gouache, on tan laid paper, laid down on cream wove paper
Dimensions
41 × 54.3 cm (16 3/16 × 21 7/16 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
149021
Art Historical Context
This striking drawing by Antoineon captures a pivotal moment in French history: the 153 marriage of Henry II Catherine de’ Medici and the presentation of her substantial dowry Created around 1562, roughly three decades after the event, the work reflects the Valois court’s ongoing interest in celebrating and legitimizing its dynasty. Caron, a favored artist under Catherine’s patronage, specialized in elegant Mannerist scenes that blended historical narrative with allegorical grandeur, often designing motifs for tapestries, festivals, and royal propaganda. Executed in pen and brown ink with del...