DEATH MASK OF KING HENRI IV - Lot 43

DEATH MASK OF KING HENRI IV In PATINUM PLATTER, stuffed. 29 x 17 cm. A.B.E. 19th century. History: This model of a death mask of King Henri IV is said to have been made during the Restoration period from a cast taken during the violation of the tombs at Saint-Denis. The desecration of the royal tombs in the Basilica of Saint Denis took place between August 1793 and January 1794. Henri IV's coffin was opened on October 12, 1793, and the well-preserved body (particularly the head) was displayed until October 14. A number of relics, such as hair, nails and beard hairs, were removed in the meantime. Provenance: André Brochant de Villiers Collection (1772 - 1840), then by descent. Expert | Cabinet Jean-Claude Dey