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Henry IV and the Spanish Ambassador
Richard Parkes Bonington • Painting, 1827, 38.4×52.4 cm
Description of the artwork «Henry IV and the Spanish Ambassador»
The plot is taken from an anecdote described in the "Mémorial pittoresque de la France" (1786), describing Henry IV.
In 1604, in Fontainebleau, when Henry played with a dauphin and rolled it on his back, the ambassador of Spain entered the chambers and found the monarch in an awkward pose. However, this did not bother Henry, and without rising, he asked the ambassador a question: "Do you have children, ambassador?" "Yes, Your Majesty," was the answer. "Then I allow myself to complete the trip around the chambers."
The painting was presented at the Paris Salon in 1827-1828.
It was acquired by Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquis of Gertword in 1870. It was later presented to Lady Wallace in 1897.
In 1604, in Fontainebleau, when Henry played with a dauphin and rolled it on his back, the ambassador of Spain entered the chambers and found the monarch in an awkward pose. However, this did not bother Henry, and without rising, he asked the ambassador a question: "Do you have children, ambassador?" "Yes, Your Majesty," was the answer. "Then I allow myself to complete the trip around the chambers."
The painting was presented at the Paris Salon in 1827-1828.
It was acquired by Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquis of Gertword in 1870. It was later presented to Lady Wallace in 1897.
