Francis I, King of France c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an engraving titled "Francis I, King of France," an anonymous work now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as somber, almost severe. Editor: Look at the paper! It's so aged and textured, almost like parchment. I wonder about the printing process, the labor, and the tools used to create this portrait. Curator: The portrait is framed by intricate ornamentation and symbols. Note the faces at the top and bottom—they almost seem to bracket Francis's authority, connecting him to higher powers. Editor: It's interesting how the ornate frame contrasts with the simple rendering of the king. Makes me think about the social status of the artist compared to that of the king himself. Curator: Consider how the artist chose to depict Francis—the slight turn of his head, the fur trim, and the feathered hat all work together to communicate power and status. Editor: It also tells a story of craft and trade in a period of expanding print culture. Curator: Indeed, both stories are inextricably linked. Editor: Exactly, and the print helps us see these connections across time.