The King receiving his scepter from the hands of Providence (Le Roi reçoit son sceptre des mains de la Providence)
Etching, part of a series of nine round prints with emblematic subjects of the glory of Henry II, all with dark backgrounds made up of thin, horizontal lines, and with a white exergue on the bottom, likely destined for inscriptions. In this etching, the King appears on the left, dressed in classical garb, receiving a scepter from God's hand, which appears from a cloud, floating on the upper part of the etching. To the right, four crowned deities, representing the four elements, presence the occasion. Earth is personified by Saturn, armed with his scythe, a serpent biting its tail, forming a circle, lies at his feet, representing an attribute of time. Water is personified by Neptune, holding his trident. Air is represented by Eole, holding a head blowing the wind in his right hand, which stretches toward the sky, and a scepter with a fleur de lis on the point in the other hand. Lastly, fire is personified by Jupiter, holding his lightning, an eagle at his feet.
Artwork Details
- Title: The King receiving his scepter from the hands of Providence (Le Roi reçoit son sceptre des mains de la Providence)
- Artist: Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg)
- Date: ca. 1557
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 1 13/16 × 1 5/8 in. (4.6 × 4.2 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1947
- Object Number: 47.139.44
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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