Portrait of Francis I, King of France

Description Large stone reliefs like this were commonly carved for placement over the doors of residences of wealthy individuals in France. They could depict biblical or allegorical figures, or portraits of rulers, announcing the allegiance of the owner. Here, Francis (1494-1547) wears around his neck the collar of the Order of St. Michael, a French chivalric order.

Provenance Raoul Heilbronner, Paris; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1902, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1902