Henri II, King of France

Léonard Limosin

probably ca. 1555–60 · Enamel on copper, partly gilt · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Limosin was introduced to the court of François I (1494–1547) as a protégé of Jean de Langeac, bishop of Limoges. In 1548, he became enameler and valet de chambre to François’s successor, Henri II (1513–1559), for whom he produced enamel portraits of both kings that were incorporated into an altarpiece for the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

Artist

Léonard Limosin

Date

probably ca. 1555–60

Medium

Enamel on copper, partly gilt

Culture

French, Limoges

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund, and Ruth Blumka Gift, in honor of Kimberly Nasatir, 1994