Shields of Henry IV and Maria de Medici [left half]

Simon de Passe

Associated Names
Simon van de Passe

Artist, German, c. 1595 - 1647

This is a drawing of a royal crest or emblem. The drawing is a finely detailed illustration featuring an oval-shaped crest adorned with elaborate heraldic symbols. At the top of the crest, there is a crown with jewels and a cross. Directly beneath the crown are two shields; one with a grid and circular motif, and the other with three fleur-de-lis. The center of the composition is dominated by a medallion with intertwined laurel branches, a crown, and a prominent letter 'H' symbol. Surrounding these central elements is a decorative border with intricate floral and leaf patterns. Each of these features suggests heritage and the visual language of significance and prestige often associated with royal insignia.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving pulled from silver medal engraved by the artist

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 6.2 × 5.2 cm (2 7/16 × 2 1/16 in.)
    sheet: 12.2 × 16.5 cm (4 13/16 × 6 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.9293.a

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 60

Associated Artworks

The image is an engraving depicting two people in a side-profile, bust-length view. Positioned to the left is a man with curly hair and a beard, displaying sharp facial features. Next to him is a woman with delicately detailed facial features and elaborate hair styled in a towering fashion adorned with flowers or jewels. Both are dressed in richly detailed clothing typical of regal figures. The man's attire includes an ornate collar, and the woman's ensemble features intricate lacework. The figures are closely placed together, almost overlapping. They are surrounded by text, indicating a formal or commemorative context. The background is plain, emphasizing the details in the engraving and the ornate apparel of the individuals.

Henry IV and Maria de Medici [right half]

Simon van de Passe

1595

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

W. B. Dukes [d. 1942], London, (L.2757a); (Sotheby, London, sale July 8, 1942, no. 112); Hermann Marx [d. 1948], Surrey, (L.2816a); (Sotheby, London, sale May 24, 1948, no. 165); Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891 - 1979], Philadelphia, (L.1932d); gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Inscriptions

Simon Passaeus fecit

Wikidata ID

Q65025599

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