Francois I and Marguerite of Navarre
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Francois I and Marguerite of Navarre
Francois I of France (1494-1547) showing his sister Marguerite, Queen of Navarre (1492-1549), some verses engraved on a window in his palace at Chambord. The verses say that women are changeable and cannot be trusted.
16th century
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Media ID 14397560
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Brother Chambord Changeable Francis Francois Marguerite Navarre Sister Trust Bonington Trustworthy
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative 16th-century image, King Francois I of France (1494-1547) shares a moment of quiet reflection with his beloved sister, Marguerite of Navarre (1492-1549), in the grandiose Palace of Chambord. The regal siblings, both dressed in the finest attire of the French court, gaze intently at each other as Francois points to an intricately engraved window, its panes adorned with verses that read, "Women are changeable and cannot be trusted." The scene exudes an air of intimacy and brotherly affection, as Francois, with a knowing smile, imparts wisdom to his sister. The verses, a common theme in the literature and art of the time, reflect the prevailing societal view of women as unpredictable and untrustworthy. Yet, the tender expression on Marguerite's face suggests that she may not fully agree with her brother's assessment. The backdrop of the Palace of Chambord, a symbol of royal power and opulence, underscores the significance of the moment. The architectural masterpiece, with its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and grandiose design, serves as a fitting stage for this brother-sister encounter. The painting, a testament to the complexities of sibling relationships and the societal norms of the time, is a captivating work of art by an unknown artist of the Bonington School. The intricate details, from the rich fabrics and ornate jewelry to the expressive faces of the siblings, transport us to a bygone era, inviting us to ponder the enduring bond between Francois and Marguerite.
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