This is one of six portraits first recorded in Kensington Palace in 1818 (RCIN 403916, 404349, 406141, 406152, 406160 & 406782), all inscribed in French with the sitter’s identity in gold capitals (seeming to run behind the head) and apparently in the same script. The works are not of identical dimensions and are of very different quality, nor do their frames match. It would seem that they were brought together by an antiquarian collector (who was presumably French). They probably joined the Royal Collection through Queen Caroline, who also acquired a set of old English Kings and their relations (RCINs 402708, 402740, 403045, 404196, 404740, 404743-5, 404748-9). The group divides into two sets of three: one of semi-mythical Queens from history (RCIN 406152, 406160 & 406782) and one (to which this portrait belongs) dealing with the early history of the Bourbon monarchy in France (RCIN 403916, 404349, 406141). These three are united in theme – depicting Henry IV of France, his mistress and daughter-in-law – though disparate in quality.

This depiction of Henry IV was attributed to Frans Pourbus in the 1818 inventory, but described as ‘indifferent’. It has the character of a crude copy, though it is not directly based on any known composition. The King wears a dark grey jerkin with a ruff, and the Order of the Saint-Esprit suspended from his neck by a light blue ribbon.

The painting appears in Pyne's illustrated 'Royal Residences' of 1819, hanging in the The King's Great Drawing Room at Kensington Palace (RCIN 922157).

Inscribed: HANRI 4 ROY DE / FRANCE, ET DE NAVARRE