Pair of Bronzes Depicting Henry IV and Marie de Medici, circa 1800

Inspired by models by Barthélemy Prieur (1536–1611)

Black-patinated bronzes, circa 1800.

Height: 45 cm each. Presented on ebonized wooden bases (23 cm).

Overall height: 68 cm.

This remarkable pair of black-patinated bronzes depicts King Henry IV of France and Queen Marie de' Medici, after models created by Barthélemy Prieur, one of the most important French sculptors of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These royal effigies are among the most emblematic works of French sculpture from the early Bourbon period and contributed significantly to the dissemination of the official image of the royal couple.

Henry IV is depicted standing, wearing richly decorated ceremonial armor and crowned with the laurel wreath of ancient heroes. The sovereign holds a fleur-de-lis-topped scepter in one hand, symbolizing his royal authority, while his cloak falls in broad folds behind him. As a counterpart, Marie de' Medici appears in an exceptionally elegant ceremonial gown, characterized by a voluminous farthingale, an intricately worked bodice, and a remarkable rendering of the fabrics.

Executed around 1800, these bronzes demonstrate the enduring admiration for Prieur's models during the Neoclassical period. The casting is of exceptional quality, accompanied by particularly vigorous chasing that delicately brings to life the faces, hair, lace collars, armor ornaments, and deep folds of the drapery. The superb, perfectly even black patina emphasizes the strength of the modeling and gives the ensemble a monumental presence despite its cabinet-sized proportions.

Through their exceptional quality of execution, historical significance, and perfect complementarity, these sculptures offer a refined testimony to the taste of collectors at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries for the great figures of French history and the masterpieces of the French Renaissance.

Comparative bibliography:

Models (busts only) by Barthélemy Prieur depicting Henry IV and Marie de' Medici are preserved in the collections of the Musée du Louvre in Paris, where they rank among the major works of French sculpture from the early Bourbon dynasty.

Condition: Very fine state of preservation.

Provenance: French private collection.