Henri II, King of France, Between France and Fame 1543 - 1553

Jean Duvet created this engraving, Henri II, King of France, Between France and Fame, in France, sometime in the mid-16th century. The print presents King Henri II as a divinely ordained ruler, poised between earthly power and eternal glory. We see France, symbolized by an angel with the fleur-de-lis, and Fame, another angel, crowning Henri. Below, a defeated figure represents the vices the king has conquered. The visual language blends classical and Christian motifs to reinforce the idea of a God-given right to rule. Duvet made this print during a time of religious and political turmoil, when the monarchy sought to bolster its authority. Prints like this, commissioned by the court, served as propaganda, visually encoding a message of stability. They are thus invaluable documents for historians interested in understanding the relationship between art and power. To delve deeper, consider researching the Valois dynasty, the French Wars of Religion, and the role of printmaking in shaping public perception. The history of art is always contingent on social and institutional context.