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Henri IV of France with Gabrielle d Estrees
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Henri IV of France with Gabrielle d Estrees
Henri IV, King of France (from 1589), and King of Navarre (from 1572), with the love of his life, but not his wife, Gabrielle d Estrees
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Media ID 4306937
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10007179
1553 1610 Destrees Gabrielle Henri Mistress Navarre
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this portrait, Henri IV of France, also known as Henry of Navarre, is depicted in regal attire, seated next to his beloved mistress, Gabrielle d'Estrees. The year is 1610, and Henri, who ruled as King of France from 1589 and King of Navarre from 1572, is in the prime of his life. Henri's costume is a testament to the opulence of the French monarchy during the late Renaissance period. He wears a richly decorated doublet, adorned with intricate gold and silver embroidery, and a velvet cloak fastened with a large, ornate brooch. His hair is styled in the fashionable long curls that were popular among the aristocracy of the time. Gabrielle, dressed in an elegant gown of deep red, sits beside Henri, her eyes fixed on him with a look of deep affection. She was a woman of humble origins, the daughter of a Parisian bourgeois family, but she captured the heart of the king and became his favorite mistress. Their love affair began in 1599, and it is said that Henri named his son, born in 1607, after Gabrielle's brother, Gabriel. Despite the social and political implications of their relationship, Henri and Gabrielle's love remained strong, and they continued to be seen together in public. This portrait, painted around 1610, captures the intensity of their connection and the passion that fueled their unconventional union. The historical significance of this image extends beyond the personal relationship between Henri and Gabrielle. It also reflects the complexities of royal life in early modern Europe, where love and power intertwined in intricate ways. The portrait is a reminder that history is not just about kings and queens, but also about the human emotions and desires that shaped their lives.
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