The Triumph of Henry IV

Description

The Triumph of Henry IV by Peter Paul Rubens presents a jubilant procession of horses, soldiers and allegorical figures surrounding a gilded chariot. Raised arms, billowing cloth and a winged figure above the king create a sweeping rhythm across the wide composition.

Warm ochre tones are enlivened by touches of red, blue and pale drapery. The loose, energetic handling allows the viewer to follow the artist’s developing forms, from the commanding central group to the lightly suggested architecture and crowd.