Border at Bottom Center: Portrait of Gaston of France in an Ornamental Border, from a group of sixteen plates originally mounted as a single sheet, entitled Siège de La Rochelle (The Seige of La Rochelle) 1628 - 1631

This etching by Abraham Bosse depicts Gaston of France, brother of Louis XIII, in a highly ornamented setting. The portrait is framed by a cartouche encircled by a laurel wreath and a crown. The cartouche itself is inscribed with "GASTON DE FRANCE" and "FRERE UNIQUE DV ROY," meaning "unique brother of the King." This detail highlights Gaston’s position and power within the French monarchy. The intricate border is filled with weapons of war, including swords, lances, drums, and shields, alluding to Gaston’s military prowess and the siege of La Rochelle, a significant event in French history.