Henri IV (1553-1610), King of France 1592

Jacob Bunel painted this portrait of Henri IV, King of France, using oil on canvas. Bunel, as a court painter, was tasked with capturing the King's likeness, but also with conveying the power and authority of the French monarchy during a time of considerable religious and political conflict. Born a Huguenot, Henri IV's rise to power was marked by religious wars and strategic alliances. To become king, he famously converted to Catholicism, a decision that encapsulates the complex relationship between personal identity, political expediency, and religious affiliation. In this portrait, Henri IV is dressed in armor, a visual declaration of his role as a warrior king and protector of France. The armor alludes to the prevailing expectations of masculinity and leadership. His direct gaze and poised stance exude confidence, but the faint lines around his eyes might hint at the burdens of leadership and the personal sacrifices he endured. The portrait thus transcends a mere depiction of royalty, inviting us to consider the intersections of faith, power, and identity in shaping historical narratives.