Due to the blue riband from which the Cross of the Holy Spirit was hung, the Knights became known as "Les Cordon Bleus". Over time, this expression was extended to refer to other distinctions of the highest class - for example, Cordon Bleu cooking and Blue Riband sporting events.
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HENRI IV of France, also Henri III of Navarre (13 December 1553 – 14 May 1610), ruled as King of France from 1589 to 1610 and King of Navarre from 1572 to 1610. He was the first monarch of the Bourbon branch of the Capetian dynasty in France. His parents were Antoine de Bourbon, Duc de Vendôme and his wife, Jeanne d'Albret, Queen Regnant of Navarre.
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As a Huguenot, Henri was involved in the Wars of Religion before ascending to the throne in 1589. In 1598 he enacted the Edict of Nantes which guaranteed religious liberties to the Protestants and thereby effectively ended the civil war. One of the most popular French kings, both during and after his reign, Henri showed great care for the welfare of his subjects and displayed an unusual religious tolerance for the time.
He was murdered by a fanatical Catholic, François Ravaillac, who stabbed him as he rode in an open carriage.
Henri was nicknamed Henry the Great (Henri le Grand), and in France is sometimes called le Bon Roi Henri ("Good King Henry").
As the father of Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles l of England, he was also grandfather to Charles ll...who is on record as saying that he admired Henri for the number of his mistresses. Charles himself, of course, was no mean achiever in this field!
SIZE: 34 x 24 inc. frame.
CONDITION: painted on panel now mounted on 20th c. plywood for strengthening. Two old, repaired splits running top to bottom; paint thin on the garments; some retouching. Old frame, damaged at each corner.
PROVENANCE: Surrey private collection.
Roy and nadine precious: specialists in portraiture from the 16th to the 20th century. Established in 1972.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Roy Precious - Antiques & Fine Art Profile Page
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Sold....portrait of King Henri IV of France C. 1595; French School.
