The Dauphin Henri. 1536-1537

This portrait of the Dauphin Henri (the future King Henry II), painted around 1536-37, captures the French prince before his accession to the throne in 1547. Corneille de Lyon's position as official portraitist to the French court gave him access to the highest levels of society. His small, intimate portraits served both as personal keepsakes and as diplomatic gifts. Characteristic of Lyon's approach, the work displays small-scale portraits on wood or parchment, blue-green or red grounds, intimate psychological likeness.

The small-scale portrait captures the young prince with characteristic precision and restraint. Corneille's signature technique of a figure against a plain ground focuses attention entirely on the sitter's features, rendered with miniaturist finesse.