Lot Essay
This series known as Traits mémorables de la vie de Henri IV or Histoire de Henri IV was originally commissioned for the Comte du Nord, otherwise Grand Duke Paul of Russia, son of Catherine the Great, by Comte d'Angiviller, Directeur des Bâtiments du Roi, in 1782. The four paintings providing the designs were executed between 1783 and 1785 by Francois-André Vincent. The original painting of Henri IV soupant chez le meunier Michaud, signed and dated 1785, is at the Château de Fontainebleau.
Maurice Fenaille, op.cit., p.361, lists three weavings of this series, the second of which, without borders, was in 1804. He lists this tapestry with inventory number 3017 as being at the Château de Pau in 1900.
Maurice Fenaille, op.cit., p.361, lists three weavings of this series, the second of which, without borders, was in 1804. He lists this tapestry with inventory number 3017 as being at the Château de Pau in 1900.