Henri de Caisne – Charles of France, Count of Anjou, King of Naples, Sicily and Jerusalem (1220-1285) Château de Versailles

The portrait presents a man in regal attire, framed within an oval vignette bordered by an ornate, gilded design. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, his gaze directed slightly off-center, conveying a sense of contemplation or perhaps distant authority. He wears a crown crafted from gold, its intricate details suggesting considerable wealth and power. A heavy mantle drapes over his shoulders, displaying heraldic symbols – prominent fleur-de-lis motifs in blue against a red field – indicating noble lineage and dominion.
The artist employed a restrained palette dominated by earthy tones: browns, reds, and golds. The lighting is soft and diffused, illuminating the man’s face and highlighting the texture of his beard and hair. His facial features are rendered with a degree of realism; he possesses a strong jawline, a slightly furrowed brow, and a solemn expression that suggests gravitas and experience.
The background is indistinct, fading into a cloudy sky, which serves to isolate the figure and emphasize his importance. The lack of environmental detail directs attention solely towards the subject’s personage and symbolic regalia.
Subtly, theres an attempt at conveying not just power but also perhaps a burden of responsibility. The serious expression, combined with the weighty crown and mantle, might allude to the challenges inherent in leadership. The overall effect is one of dignified solemnity, intended to project an image of strength, legitimacy, and inherited authority. The composition’s formality reinforces this impression, suggesting a deliberate effort to establish a lasting visual record of a personage of considerable historical significance.