Genealogical Tree, 1608

Great detailed engraving that depicts the family tree of the French Royal House, quite precisely and with all its links and branches until 1608. This engraving does not only shows off an amazing attention to detail and a high-quality drawing, but it also preserves the original coloring in ochre, brown, green, red and blue shades. The work attracts our attention for its excellent condition: it dates from 1608. It is very well preserves and boasts all its original beauty, and also a complete information about the monarchs, their links and their offspring. The genealogic scheme is structured from a quite short trunk that stands in the middle of the engraving, on the lower margin of the sheet. On both sides of the trunks there are a series of branches that seem to grow directly from the ground, occupying all the space in a spectacular display of horror vacui. The vast majority of the engraving is designed to reflect the family history of the French Royal House, concluding with the king that was ruling the country when the engraving was printed: Henry IV. The information about this king can be read in the top cartouche, located at the end of one of the branches and with a crown resting on it. This cartouche is bigger than the rest and has a coat of arms by its side. To the left of the cartouche corresponding to Henry IV we can see the only decorative detail of the engraving. It is a beautiful figure of a naked child angel, with delicate blue wings and a pink clothe that partially covers him. The angel is holding a shield with a Latin inscription: DISCUSSIT BELLO; FOVET PACE (ends war, supports peace), most surely talking about the king. At the back of the engraving we can see a Latin text that talks about the French kings, crowned by a lovely illustration with an allegory of victory in war. This impressive engraving provides us with historic information about the French Royal House, being also a great work of art with a high aesthetic and decorative power. Measurements: Paper: Width: 23.6 in/60 cm. Height: 17.3 in/44 cm. Engraving: Width: 15.7 in/40 cm. Height: 13.1 in/33.5 cm.