Michel Corneille
1642-1708
The Coat of Arms of France and Navarre, Surrounded with the Order of Saint Michel, Supported by Fame, Glory, and Two Putti
ca. 1680-90
10 3/8 x 8 3/8 inches (264 x 213 mm)
Pen and brown-black ink and wash, white opaque watercolor, over red and black chalks, in an inscribed oval, on laid paper toned with brown wash.
2006.37
Purchased on the Lois and Walter C. Baker Fund.
Notes
This drawing shows the allegorical figures of Fame and Glory supporting the arms of France and Navarre surrounded by the chains of the Orders of St. Michael and of the Holy Spirit. Navarre, a region on the border of southwestern France and northeastern Spain, was incorporated into France in 1620. The Order of the Holy Spirit was the most esteemed chivalric order, reserved for royalty and powerful nobles, and its members were already knights of the Order of St. Michael. The drawing was surely for an important commission, although its specific function is not known.
Inscriptions/Markings
Inscribed at lower left in pen and black ink, "P.M."
Associated names
Mignard, Pierre, 1612-1695, former owner.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department