This triptych is a curious piece. In an ivory-like frame, it features a center panel flanked by two fold-out panels. Together, these panels are one painting – the sides showcasing onlookers to the center, which features King Henry IV of France and his wife, Marie, as Henry designates his wife to be Regent of France during his absence.
Collected by WKU alum Commodere Perry Snell, the triptych sits in our Decorative Arts gallery. Behind the grand presentation, a figure of Prudence waits patiently by the queen’s side, and the king – Henry IV of France – gracefully grants his wife, Marie, the regency of France as their son (also pictured) was quite young. Yet this painting hides a tale of murder.