11. The Death of Henry IV and the Proclamation of the Regency 1625

Peter Paul Rubens painted ‘The Death of Henry IV and the Proclamation of the Regency’ using oil on canvas. Notice how the swirling composition, dramatic lighting, and dynamic figures create a sense of baroque grandeur. The bodies are rendered with an attention to muscularity, and the colors range from rich reds and blues to earthy browns. Rubens uses a diagonal composition, leading the eye from the chaotic scene of death and mourning in the lower left to the more orderly proclamation of regency on the right. This juxtaposition highlights the transition from tragedy to the restoration of order, mirroring the political context of the time. Light and shadow play a crucial role, creating depth and drama while drawing attention to key figures and events. The textures, from the softness of the skin to the hardness of the armor, add another layer of visual richness. Rubens’s work reflects a period of intense social and political change, using art as a tool to negotiate power, memory, and identity. The painting's formal elements work together to convey complex narratives about leadership and legitimacy.