Author: Moeyaert, Claes (1591-1669)
Title: [Antique etching, allegory] French maiden begs the gods for help, image from the triumphal arch for Maria de' Medici, Amsterdam 1638, published 1639.
Description: Allegorical scenes of the French maiden (Marianne) begging the Roman gods to help France, symbolized by the globe split into two. Above, Jupiter orders Mercury to send Henry IV, standing left and depicted as Hercules, to reunite the divided country. Signed 'CL. M. Inv.' in the lower right corner. Etching after one the five images displayed on the triumphal arch for Maria de' Medici, 1638. Used in: Caspar Barlaeus, Blyde inkomst der allerdoorluchtighste koninginne, Maria de Medicis t' Amsterdam. t' Amsterdam: By Iohan en Cornelis Blaeu, 1639. Etching on paper, close cut margins; platemark: 296 x 382 mm; total: 299 x 385 mm. Muller 1793-10; Hollstein 100.

Keywords: Allegories|Book illustrations|Eighty Years' War|France|Historical prints|Monarchs|Nobility