The artwork titled “King Clothar II (584-629) cannot bring back his son Dagobert I (605-39) to Paris” was created by Jean Fouquet around the year 1460. This historical painting, executed on vellum, belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement and is part of the series “Grandes Chroniques de France.” It resides in the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a somber historical scene involving King Clothar II, who stands with his retinue in front of a small chapel. The setting is imbued with tension and sorrow, as the king’s attempts to revive his son, Dagobert I, prove futile. In the left portion of the artwork, King Clothar II is shown lying down, indicating his helpless state, while a group of soldiers or courtiers, clad in detailed armor, encircle him. The city of Paris, characterized by its distinctive medieval skyline dotted with spires and grand structures, stretches out in the background, enhancing the narrative depth and historical context of the scene. The use of vivid colors and meticulous detail in the depiction of the figures and the landscape are hallmark features of the Northern Renaissance style and highlight Fouquet’s mastery in illustrating this poignant moment in French history.
