Portret van Frans I te paard 1542 - 1544

Cornelis Anthonisz. made this print, *Portret van Frans I te paard*, which translates to Portrait of Francis I on Horseback, in the 16th century. It depicts the French King Francis I, a prominent figure of the Renaissance, in full armor, mounted on a caparisoned horse. Prints like this one played an important role in shaping public perception of rulers. Francis was known as a warrior-king, but also as a patron of the arts. This piece portrays the strength of the French monarchy. Cornelis was a painter, but he was also an engraver and mapmaker who lived and worked in Amsterdam. As such, the piece gives us an important glimpse into the relationship between France and the Netherlands at this time. The print employs bold lines and a detailed rendering of textures, typical of Northern Renaissance art. This work invites us to consider how leaders construct their image and the ways artists contribute to these representations. It blends personal ambition, identity, and the demands of royal representation.