Koning Hendrik IV bij de molenaar 1752 - 1813

Jean-Baptiste-Blaise Simonet made this print of ‘Koning Hendrik IV bij de molenaar’ using etching and engraving techniques. These methods, rooted in craft traditions, allowed for the detailed depiction of the scene. The image shows a meeting between the king and a miller; notice the interior space in which this encounter unfolds. The tools of the miller's trade, like the basket hanging from the ceiling, are rendered with the same care as the figures. The quality of the lines, achieved through a combination of acid-etching and hand-engraving, gives a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the contrast between the rough surroundings and the king's attire. The print medium itself would have made this image accessible to a wide public, serving a very different function from a unique painting. It invites us to consider the cultural significance of labor, class, and royal encounters in late eighteenth century France, a time of growing social tensions. It asks us to consider the value of craftsmanship, and how these inform our understanding of art and its role in society.