After one painting in a series of 24 that detail the life of Marie de’ Medici, Queen of France, this framed black and white lithograph was printed in 1710. The original paintings, known as The Marie de’ Medici Cycle, were completed by the famous Baroque Flemish painter, Peter Paul Rubens, in 1624, with the entire collection currently on display in the Louvre in Paris. Based on the tenth item of the cycle, entitled The Coronation in Saint-Denis (see the final detail photo), the painting is prominently displayed in the Louvre, one of two that are immediately visible on the North end of the West wall when entering the gallery through the southeastern entrance.

In the scene, which has numerous well-dressed attendees, we see the glamorous Marie receiving her crown from Cardinal Joyeuse, with several other clergymen on the fabric-lined set of stairs. Other members of royalty are gathered beside the Queen’s extravagantly long train that extends from beneath a high ruff. Personifications of Abundantia and Victoria can be seen above, showering the festivities with blessings of prosperity and victory (respectively). Even the Queen’s two pet dogs are in attendance, seen in the foreground.

The large lithograph is set behind a sheet of glass surrounded by a gold frame. In the lower-left corner of the scene is the history of the illustration (in French), proclaiming that it was painted by Pierre Paul Rubens, drawn by Jean Nattier, and engraved by Jean Audran. Another inset at the bottom of the paper gives a description of the scene, including some names of key attendees.  A fascinating bit of history with immense detail that can be placed on any wall of the house.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with minor nicks and rubs to the gold frame. Slight age separations to the lithograph paper with some discoloration to the edges despite old restoration work. Please see photos for details.