“The Birth of Henri IV of France” is a historic artwork completed by Peter Paul Rubens between 1628 and 1630. This history painting was created using the oil on panel medium and belongs to the Baroque art movement. The artwork’s dimensions are relatively modest, measuring 22 cm by 10 cm. It is currently housed in the Wallace Collection located in London, United Kingdom.
The artwork depicts a dramatized scene surrounding the birth of Henri IV of France. The central focus is on the newborn infant, likely representing Henri IV, being presented or adored. A woman, possibly the mother, is seated and holds the infant tenderly, seeming to gaze at him with a mixture of affection and relief.
Two cherubs hover above them – a typical Baroque element, evoking the divine or heavenly significance of the moment. In Baroque style, the scene is dynamic, with a play of light that draws attention to the central figures of the mother and child.
Positioned to the left, a male figure, possibly a soldier or guard, stands attentively with a helmet, observing the scene. His armor implies that the birth takes place during a tumultuous period, possibly referencing the Wars of Religion that France was experiencing at the time of Henri IV’s birth.
At the bottom right, another figure, which might be a putto or a personification of some aspect related to the event, is seen from behind, contributing to the theatrical composition that is characteristic of Rubens’ work.
Overall, the artwork is imbued with a sense of magnificence and drama, traits which are typical of the Baroque movement’s emphasis on emotion, movement, and vivid detail.
