Henry IV Playing With his Children 1821

"Henry IV Playing With his Children" is a 1821 lithograph by French Neoclassical painter Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. The artwork depicts a scene from the life of King Henry IV of France, known for his humanist approach and the end of religious wars in the country. The king is surrounded by his children in a casual setting, showcasing a human side of the monarch, in contrast with more formal portraits of rulers common at the time. The detail of the ornate interior adds to the historical setting, creating a sense of grandeur and elegance. Ingres, known for his mastery of line and detail, utilized lithography to capture the intricacies of the figures and their garments, highlighting the elegance of the period.