The artwork, titled “Entry of Louis VII (c.1120-80) King of France and Conrad III (1093-1152) King of Germany into Constantinople during the Crusades, 1147-49,” is a historical painting created by Jean Fouquet. Executed on vellum and representative of the Northern Renaissance art movement, this piece currently resides in the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris, France.
The artwork vividly depicts the grand entrance of King Louis VII of France and King Conrad III of Germany into the fabled city of Constantinople during the Crusades from 1147 to 1149. The two monarchs are portrayed riding on horseback along a winding path leading to a majestic, fortified city surrounded by lush greenery and hills. The scenes are detailed and vibrant, with intricate elements such as the flowing banners, the elaborate garments of the kings and their entourage, and the impressive architectural forms of Constantinople in the background. The use of color and precision in the illustration reflects Fouquet’s mastery and the Northern Renaissance’s emphasis on detailed and realistic representations.
