Portret van Hendrik III, koning van Frankrijk 1752

Jan Punt created this print of Hendrik III, King of France, sometime between 1711 and 1779. It comes to us during a period of shifting social structures, when depictions of power were strategically deployed. This portrait of Hendrik III offers a window into the complexities of identity, power, and representation. As King of France and Poland, Hendrik navigated a world of political intrigue and religious conflict. In his lifetime, Hendrik was known for his elegant dress and cultivated persona. Some historians believe his court was a safe haven for people of diverse backgrounds, amidst the religious wars tearing apart 16th century Europe. Yet, his reign ended violently with his assassination, further complicating any easy assessment of his legacy. This image prompts us to consider how those in power choose to represent themselves and how history often complicates these carefully constructed identities.