King François I, King of France (1494–1547) on Horseback

François Clouet (Tours c.1516 – Paris 1572) and Studio. Oil painting on oak panel, King François I, King of France (1494–1547) on Horseback, François Clouet and Studio (Tours c.1516 - Paris 1572). A full-length portrait of the king, bareheaded, head turned towards the spectator, rides to the left, mounted on a white horse with black fetlocks, mane and tail; he wears a suit of black armour damascened with silver and carries a gilt mace in his right hand; the saddle and harness of the horse are crimson and gold, and yellow, pink and black ostrich feathers are carried at its poll; to the right is a gateway or triumphal arch with fluted columns, partly visible. The horizon, low in the picture, is bounded by bare hills. Companion picture to Upton House no.181. François I (1495-1547) succeeded his cousin, Louis XII, whose daughter he had married, in 1515. He appointed François Clouet court painter in 1541, on the death of the artist's father Jean, whose name had appeared in the royal acccounts from 1515 onwards. Upton House, Warwickshire (Accredited Museum)