Henry IV, King of France 1610

Curator: Here we have Léonard Gaultier’s portrait of “Henry IV, King of France.” It feels so austere. Editor: It does, doesn’t it? The stark lines, the dense hatching… It speaks to the labor of reproduction, the very process of disseminating the King’s image. But also, think of Henry IV, a king who sought religious compromise during a time of turmoil; his image becomes an argument for stability and authority. Curator: You see that, but I'm also thinking about how the artist situated Henry within these classical architectural motifs. The columns and the laurel wreath, that’s about creating a lineage and legitimizing power. What about the inscription "L'Avant Victorieux"? This is more than just a portrait, it is a statement. Editor: Absolutely. The inscription tells us how the print itself became a commodity, sold from a shop in Bordeaux, which speaks volumes about the socio-economic conditions of image production. Curator: Yes, it invites us to think about the role of imagery in shaping, selling and re-selling political ideals. Editor: The materials and labor bring the image to life, while you are right, it is also a mirror reflecting its time.