Henri III, King of France 

Thomas de Leu’s engraving presents Henri III, King of France, encircled by the declaration of his royal status. Note the earring, a shimmering pearl adorning his earlobe. This isn't mere decoration; it's an emblem, a whisper of the anxieties surrounding masculinity and power in the late 16th century. Such adornments were controversial, sparking debates about virility and decadence, a visible marker of cultural and psychological tensions. Consider the pearl's journey through art history, from its association with feminine beauty in Renaissance portraits to its symbolic weight in Dutch Golden Age paintings, representing wealth and mortality. Each appearance echoes earlier meanings, yet shifts, reflecting the spirit of the age. This pearl, laden with historical and cultural significance, invites us to delve into the hidden currents of the human psyche, echoing through centuries.