In two parts, and with ebonized highlights.

5 ft. 8 in. x 43 x 19 1/4 in.

Exhibited: The Palace of The Legion of Honor, San Francisco, May 1973.

Published: A. de Champeaux, Le Meuble, Tome I, 1926, p.181, fig 35.

Note: Henri II was the second son of Francois I and became monarch upon the death of his brother. He reigned from 1547-1559. He was married to Catherine de Medici.

As a child, Henry and his elder brother spent over four years in captivity in Spain as hostages in exchange for their father. Henry pursued his father's policies in matters of art, war, and religion. He persevered in the Italian Wars against the Habsburgs and tried to suppress the Reformation, even as the Huguenot numbers were increasing drastically in France during his reign.

Under the April 1559 Peace of Cateau-Cambresis which ended the Italian Wars, France renounced its claims in Italy, but gained certain other territories, including the Pale of Calais and the Three Bishoprics. These acquisitions strengthened French borders while the abdication of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in January 1556 and division of his empire between Spain and Austria provided France with greater flexibility in foreign policy. Nostradamus also served King Henry as physician and astrologer.

In June 1559, Henry was injured in a jousting tournament held to celebrate the treaty, and died ten days later after his surgeon, Ambroise Pare, was unable to cure the wound inflicted by Gabriel de Montgomery, the captain of his Scottish Guard. Though he died early, the succession appeared secure, for he left four young sons - as well as a widow (Catherine de' Medici) to lead a capable regency during their minority. Three of those sons lived long enough to become king; but their youth and sometimes infirmity, and the unpopularity of Catherine's regency, led to challenges to the throne by powerful nobles, and helped to spark the French Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants, and an eventual end to the House of Valois as France's ruling dynasty.
 

In good overall condition, the interior fitted with one shelf. The lower section lacking a shelf. The case with expected nicks, staining, wear, a few age splits. Evidence of old worming. Scattered molding replaced and one loss on the upper right side of the niche finial. Gaps in the backboards with some losses. Old restoration to the upper back boards and some replaced back boards on the lower section. Bun feet later in date.  Structurally sound, beautifully carved and ready to place.

Notwithstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.