Description:
After Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640)
Sketch for Henry IV of France Freeing the Goddess of Might and Power
Unsigned, identified on a typed label affixed to the reverse.
Oil on canvas, 18 1/8 x 12 7/8 in. (46.2 x 32.8 cm),framed.
Condition: Retouch, craquelure, surface grime.
N.B. This oil sketch is likely based in some way on Rubens' cycle of painting of the life of Henry IV of France. Between 1627 and 1631 Rubens was engaged on a series of large paintings celebrating the life of Henry IV, intended to complement the famous cycle commissioned by and devoted to Marie de' Medici, Henry's second wife, who served as Regent after his assassination. Tumultuous politics prevented Rubens from completing the commission, and six of the full-scale canvases were still in the artist's studio at his death.
Estimate $500-700
With a partial Parisian artist's materials supplier stencil to the reverse.
Keywords
Peter Paul Rubens, Henry IV, France, Medici, partial Parisian artistStuart Slavid
Senior Vice President
Director of Fine Ceramics
Director of Fine Silver
Director of European Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3203
Emily Stegner
Specialist, European Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3203
Stephanie Opolski
Appraiser
508-970-3000
European Furniture & Decorative Arts
The European Furniture & Decorative Arts department curates auctions of English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, and Russian antiques, furniture, and decorative arts.