Equestrian Portrait of Henry IV, King of France 1593

Curator: This is Antonio Tempesta’s "Equestrian Portrait of Henry IV, King of France," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The composition is striking—Henry dominates the frame, yet he's almost dwarfed by the scene of battle behind him. The etching seems incredibly detailed. Curator: Tempesta, active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, was known for his battle scenes and prints. This piece really speaks to the role of imagery in constructing royal power. Consider how Henry's image is presented, not just as a ruler but as a victorious military leader. Editor: Absolutely. The materiality of the printmaking process itself—the lines etched into the metal plate, the transfer of ink to paper—mirrors the way power is impressed upon and disseminated throughout society. It's a manufactured image for mass consumption. Curator: And it was clearly successful in its aims. It’s an interesting artifact for understanding how Henry presented himself to his contemporaries and to history. Editor: A compelling image to consider as we reflect on the nature of leadership, then and now.