Plate LXII.
Photo. Hanfstaengl.
Photo. Giraudon.
|
Francis I. Attributed to Jean Clouet. Louvre. |
Marguerite of Angoulême. (Sister of Francis I. and Queen of Navarre). Attributed to François Clouet. Musée Condé. |
Henri II, whilst Dauphin, had apparently not much chance to employ either of the Clouets, since their time was almost entirely monopolised by the King; but there is evidence to prove that Catherine de Medicis’ children were repeatedly painted by Germain le Mannier[114] and his brother Alois. There exist pencil sketches of Francis II at the age of five, and again at eight years and five months; to which latter there is a pendant representing his fiancée, Mary, Queen of Scots, at the age of nine and a half. There is another of Charles IX aged between four and five years. All of these were executed by this artist and are now in the portfolios at Chantilly.
With reference to these drawings there is a letter still extant, written on June 1 1552 by Queen Catherine to M. Humières (who with his wife were in charge of the Royal nurseries at Saint-Germain-en-Laye), in which she expresses a desire to have all her children, sons and daughters, including la Royne d’Ecosse,[115] painted “sans rien oublier de leur visages.” There is also a letter from Henri II, written on the eve of his accession, expressing a desire to recompense the painter Mannier.