1650 – B. Moncornet – Henry 3

Title:              “Henry 3 du nom tres-chrestien Roy des Royaumes de France & de Pologne chef Souverain & Instituteur de l’ordre du Benoist St Esprit.”​
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Description:

Rare and highly detailed copper engraving portrait of Henry III of France (1551–1589). He was elected King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania in 1573 but abandoned the Polish throne in 1574 to claim the French crown following the death of his brother, Charles IX. Known for his elegant and sometimes extravagant dress, he frequently wore a distinctive Italian-style toque (the jeweled hat seen in the portrait) and jewelry. The coat of arms Dextre (Left Shield) representing the Kingdom of France (France Modern), Senestre (Right Shield): Divided into two parts to represent the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: Poland: A eagle & Lithuania: The “Vytis” a knight on a galloping horse, carrying a sword and a shield with a double cross. The shield is surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit (Ordre du Saint-Esprit), which Henry III founded in 1578.

The print comes from Matthäus Merian book “Theatri Europaei continuati septennium: Das ist, Sieben-Jährige Historisch-außgeführte Friedens- und Kriegs-Beschreibung vom Jahr 1647 biß 1651…” engraved by Peter Aubri, published in Frankfurt, 1672.

Author:                 Balthasar Moncornet (1600 – 1668)
Sheet size:            25,0 x 18,5 cm
Year:                      1650
Technique:           copper engraving

Condition:
Very good condition.

This is an original antique map published in 1650 and NOT a modern copy or reprint

On your request I will provide a Certificate of Authenticity