Henri IV c. 19th century

Curator: This is François Forster’s portrait of Henri IV, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a certain austerity to it, don’t you think? The tones are muted, but the details of his face and the lace collar are quite striking. Curator: Indeed. The iconography here is central. Consider the Order of the Holy Spirit he wears. It’s a potent symbol of French monarchy, connecting Henri IV to the divine right of kings, even posthumously. Editor: The symbol's fascinating history goes back to Henry III, linking notions of royal legitimacy with religious authority amidst the turbulence of the Reformation. Curator: Absolutely. It's a visualization of power, reinforcing dynastic claims in a nation grappling with religious division and succession. Editor: This image, therefore, becomes more than just a portrait; it's a political statement, charged with symbolic weight. Curator: It does reveal a great deal about the construction of power and memory through portraiture. Editor: A lasting testament to how symbols shape our understanding of history.