The Dauphin François, Son of François I

"The Dauphin François, Son of François I" is a captivating portrait from 1522, painted by Jean Clouet and currently residing in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. This small but powerful painting, measuring just 0.16 meters high and 0.13 meters wide, offers us a glimpse into the royal court of France. nn The painting depicts the young Dauphin François, son of King François I. The young prince is presented with a direct gaze, engaging the viewer with an air of youthful confidence. Clouet's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the exquisite rendering of the Dauphin's attire. His black velvet hat, adorned with a white feather and a delicate gold chain, adds a touch of regality. The richness of his clothing, from the white linen shirt with its lace collar to the gold doublet with its intricate floral pattern, speaks to his noble status. nn The dark background serves to further emphasize the youthful Dauphin, drawing our attention to his face and the delicate rendering of his hands. This intimate portrait, while small in scale, offers a powerful and enduring image of childhood royalty in the 16th century.