Henri II, King of France 1556

Nicolas Beatrizet made this engraving of Henri II, King of France, sometime in the mid-16th century. The image comes to life through the technique of engraving, which involves meticulously cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing the plate onto paper. Notice the density of the lines, and how they build up tone and texture, creating a surprisingly life-like appearance. The king is shown in profile, adorned with a laurel wreath and armor. Beatrizet also used classical figures and ornamentation to amplify the King's grandeur. Engravings like this played a crucial role in disseminating imagery and ideas during the Renaissance. They made art and information more accessible, contributing to a growing visual culture and early forms of mass media. This image shows a confluence of skill, labor, and the political needs of the time. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward portraits are complex objects, deeply embedded in their historical moment.