SCHOOL OF PARIS – John II (the Good), King of France (1319-1364), c Louvre (Paris)

The portrait presents a male figure in profile, facing left. He is depicted against a gold-toned background, partially obscured by faded inscription above his head. The mans features are rendered with a degree of realism, though softened and idealized; the nose is prominent, the lips full, and the chin strong. His hair, a vibrant reddish-brown, falls in loose waves around his shoulders, suggesting a certain nobility or refinement. He wears what appears to be a high-necked ruff or collar, stark white against the darker tones of his skin and the background.
The composition is strikingly simple; there are no extraneous details to distract from the subjects presence. The focus remains entirely on his face and upper torso. This austerity contributes to an impression of solemnity and dignity. The profile view itself carries symbolic weight, often associated with representations of authority and power in historical portraiture. It suggests a sense of unwavering resolve and introspection.
The gold background, while partially deteriorated, evokes associations with wealth, royalty, and divine status. Its muted quality, however, prevents it from becoming ostentatious, instead lending an air of age and perhaps even melancholy to the work. The inscription above his head is difficult to decipher fully but its presence reinforces the idea that this is a commemorative or official portrait intended to preserve his memory.
Subtly, theres a sense of vulnerability conveyed through the slightly softened features and the gentle curve of his lips. This contrasts with the expected sternness often associated with depictions of rulers, hinting at a more humanized portrayal. The overall effect is one of restrained power and quiet contemplation – a man presented not merely as a ruler but as an individual marked by responsibility and perhaps burdened by it.