About this sheet
A beautiful original antique French costume print depicting King Henri II of France mounted on horseback in his role as Captain of the Chevau-légers, the elite light cavalry of the French Renaissance court.
This plate originates from the French series Costumes civils et militaires des Français à travers les siècles, published in Paris by F. Roy and conceived as a scholarly visual survey of French civil and military dress across the centuries.
The print is titled "Portrait de Henri II, en Capitaine de Chevau-légers" and is based on historical sources recorded by Wilhelm. Henri II (1519–1559), King of France from 1547 until his death, is portrayed wearing richly engraved Renaissance armour while mounted on a magnificent white horse adorned with elaborate crimson caparisons decorated with Gothic tracery and tassels.
The superb equestrian composition, together with the finely engraved armour, richly decorated horse trappings and elegant Renaissance costume, makes this one of the most attractive royal military plates from the series. It will appeal to collectors of French history, Renaissance art, equestrian subjects, military costume and heraldry.
This is a genuine original antique print published circa 1860. It is not a modern reproduction.
Technique: Engraving with original hand colouring
Maker: F. Roy (éditeur), Paris, circa 1860
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, light handling marks and minor wear to the sheet edges, including small binding traces along the left margin. Please study the images carefully as they form part of the condition description.
Please note:
The print is offered unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for display inspiration only. We do not sell our prints framed.
Keywords:
Henri II, Henry II of France, King Henri II, French king, Renaissance France, French monarchy, Chevau-légers, light cavalry, Renaissance armour, ceremonial armour, equestrian portrait, horse caparison, horse armour, French heraldry, Renaissance costume, military costume, historical costume, French history, royal portrait, original antique print, hand-coloured engraving, F. Roy, Paris, nineteenth century, antique French print, cavalry officer, Renaissance wall art, armour collector, original engraving, royal equestrian art.
