Princess Adelaide of France.

Princess Louise-Elizabeth of France.

Princess Victoire of France.

These four women were painted by Jean-Marc Nattier (1685-1766) in Paris.

This portrait of Auguste-Gabriel Godefroy was painted by Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin (1699-1779) circa 1741. A version of this painting is in the Louvre.

If you were a kid in the 1700s it’s unlikely that you would have your portrait painted unless, of course, you were the the Duke of Berry and the Count of Provence. Mom and Dad most likely paid some major bucks for this work of art. These children were painted by Francois-Hubert Drouais (1727-1775) of Paris.

Be sure and click on the image for the full size.

These ladies are stylin’ in the late 1800′s with the very latest in French fashion.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Horses are heavy animals! It would take a lot of hot air to get this off the ground and wouldn’t the horse be freaking out? Such is the fun of hot air balloons and with vintage art anything is possible.

Looks a little crowded in there with the lady’s dress and hat.

I love the concept of balloons as ships.

Be sure and click on the image for the large size.

This portrait was painted in the 18th century and the artist is unknown. I wonder what the artist used as a reference considering it was painted two centuries after his lifetime. What we really recognize is the HAT. The guy could be anyone but we know him because of his chapeau.

Here’s the cover from his famous book of prophecies written in 1568. Like most people, I don’t understand the quatrains but I find them interesting. Actually, the art is what is really interesting which is why I built this site!

This is a 1943 pamphlet written in German and published by British intelligence using a Nostradamus prediction that Hitler would fall from power. Just another attempt to try to bring down the Third Reich from within their own country. The propaganda machine never sleeps!

This is a 19th century woodcut by the French artist, Grandville. Here the playing cards have symbolic value with the Spades black color of death. The 4 people as suits in the front are pretty cool expecially the woman in the puffy sleeved dress representing Clubs. Naturally, the angel is all Heart.

Click on the image for the full size.

Be sure and click on the image for the full size.

There’s lots of pictures of Marie but how about old Louis XVI? Ok, maybe he isn’t as exciting as Marie but check out his coronation outfit in this painting.

Edward III

It’s amazing how art survives considering this was painted in the 14th century. Edward here was in power at the beginning of the Hundred Years War in 1337. Interesting beard and the crown is divine!

Charlemagne

This portrait of King Charlemagne was painted by Albrecht Durer around the late 8th century. The shield with it’s fleur-de-lis got the isolation treatment and is now ready to be popped into your project.  As always, be sure and click on the image to enlarge.

Fleur-de-lis

The Little Prince

Well, someday he’ll be King but for now walking around in a cape with fleur-de-lis is pretty cool. I’m rather partial to black and white images because of their power when combined with colorful graphics. I suppose it’s the same for photographers. Color is the standard but some shots just are better in black and white.

French Map Illustration

This is a corner illustration from a 17th century map of Paris. Today’s version would be quite factual and not contain any artwork so we are grateful that vintage versions survive.

I’ve isolated just the shield and crown if you want to pop the image into your collage without the cloudy background. As always click on the image for the full size.

French Crown and Shield

French Capetians

This image depicts the accession to the throne of the Capetians. From the left, Hugh Capet, Robert, and Constance, restored Paris to become the center of power. Hugh was crowned king in 987.