Portrait of Francis I, King of France
Circle of Joos van Cleve
Basic information
- ID
- Ж-418
- Author
- Circle of Joos van Cleve
- Name
- Portrait of Francis I, King of France
- Technique
- oil painting
- Material
- copper oil
- Dimensions (height x width, cm)
- 16.5 x 12.5
Additionally
- Type
- painting
- Genre
- portraiture
- Plot
- Portrait
- Provenance
- Collection of Leon Pininski
- Exposition
- Potocki Palace
Information about author
Object description
The green background of the painting depicts a bust portrait of a man facing the viewer, with his head and eyes turned to the left. He is portrayed wearing a headdress with a feather. Francis I was the son of Charles V and Louise of Savoy; he was the first cousin of King Louis XII, whom he succeeded to the throne in 1515. Francis I was a patron and supporter of the arts. He initiated the French Renaissance, attracting many Italian artists to work at Chateau de Chambord. One of these artists was Leonardo da Vinci, who had brought along his "Mona Lisa". Later, Francis bought the painting. Significant cultural changes occurred during his reign elevating absolute monarchy in France and spreading humanism. In the early sixteenth century, monarchs paid great attention to their portraits. This was related to their political influence and historical importance. The portraits depicted Francis as a pious ruler and strong monarch. One of the most famous portraits of the king was made by Joos van Cleve around 1525, and later the artist's studio produced at least 20 exact copies and numerous replicas, which Francis I gave away as gifts.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery
