The Presentation of Marie de' Medici's Portrait to Henry IV

In 1600 Henry IV of France needed a legitimate heir and he needed money, and the Medici of Florence could supply both. His first marriage had just been annulled, and Marie's dowry, 600,000 gold écus, was partly used to cancel what the French crown owed the Medici bank. Rubens turns the arrangement into love at first sight. Hymen, god of marriage, holds up her portrait while Cupid presents it to the king, who stands in armour gazing at her face. France, in a blue cloak scattered with gold lilies, leans at his shoulder to advise him. Above, Jupiter and Juno sit together on a cloud, the heavenly couple matching the earthly one. The Louvre notes that the portrait is painted like a real envoy's likeness of the day, in a plain black frame. In the foreground two cupids play with the king's helmet and shield. The Louvre gallery holding the cycle is currently closed for restoration.