Hendrik IV, koning van Spanje, te paard 1593

This etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta, created in 1593, depicts King Henry IV of France on horseback. The detailed, almost lifelike rendering of the king’s armor and the rearing horse emphasize the royal stature of the subject. This print is a fine example of 16th-century Italian Renaissance art. The artist’s use of chiaroscuro adds to the drama of the scene, highlighting the power of the king and the energy of the horse. The image is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum.