Attributed To François Quesnel (1543-1616) - Portrait Of A Minister Of Henri III

Attributed to François Quesnel (1543-1616) Portrait of a very high minister of Henry III, formerly presumed portrait of Henry IV Dimensions without frame: 37.5 x 29 cm Oil on panel Presence of two old wax collection seals and old attribution "Clouet school" on the back of the panel Renaissance style frame The portrait presented here has physical similarities with other portraits of Henry IV but unfortunately we know of very few works representing Henry IV from this period and we opt for that of a high dignitary. Furthermore, as regards the pictorial style and the attribution to Quesnel, we can note that the dimensions, the support used, the framing of the composition, the cord of the Holy Spirit cut above the plate, the Italian collar and the very sober black clothing are all elements in favor of the attribution. François Quesnel is therefore the ideal painter for the portrait of this high dignitary because he is the painter of the court of Henri III and his ministers who are, like the official portrait of the monarch, represented in this way.