Surroundings of Ferdinando Tacca (1619-1686), late 17th century Probably a portrait of Henri IV as an archer dressed in Turkish style Bronze and gilded bronze figure Resting on a square marble base from the later period H. 24.5 cm (9 ¾ in.) H. (total): 31 cm (12 ¼ in.) Comparative bibliographies: The Ottoman Turks in Sixteenth Century French Diplomacy, The Sixteenth Century Journal, Winter, 1985, Vol. 16, No. 4 (Winter, 1985), pp. 451-470. Paris, Musée du Louvre, Les Bronzes de la Couronne, 12 April - 12 July, 1999, no 28, p. 79. A bronze and gilt-bronze portrait probably of Henri IV as an archer in Turkish dress, circle of Ferdinando Tacca (1619-1686), late 17th century *Information for buyers : Lot from outside the EEC: to the commissions and taxes indicated in the general terms and conditions of purchase, import VAT (5.5% of the hammer price) must be added. *Information to the buyers : Lot from outside the EEC : an import tax (5,5 % of the hammer price) will be due, in addition to the commissions and taxes indicated in the general conditions of purchase. Turkish fashion had a significant impact on Europe in the 17th century, particularly during the heyday of the Ottoman Empire. This influence manifested itself in art. Many European artists depicted figures in oriental dress, wearing Turkish garments such as caftans and turbans, like the bronze shown here. Ferdinando Tacca (1619-1686), 17th-century Florentine sculptor, was certainly influenced by this fashion in the creation of his works. His sculptures are characterised by intense expressiveness and a sense of movement. Aristocrats, particularly in France and England, adopted elements of Turkish fashion to demonstrate their wealth and cosmopolitan taste. These works testify to the growing interest in non-European cultures and reflect an interest in exoticism and social status. Henri IV, who reigned from 1589 to 1610, was fascinated by Turkish fashion and the exoticism that accompanied it. Although he is best known for his policy of reconciliation and his efforts to unite a divided kingdom, he had a strong taste for foreign arts and fashions, including Ottoman fashions. In the inventory of Crown bronzes, under number 28, there is mention of a bronze figure representing a Turk, shooting with a bow, dressed in Turkish style with a turban (21.6 cm), thus showing the court's interest in fashion. The bronze has not been located but must certainly have resembled our bronze.