Koning met een pauw - Franciscus Andreas Durlet

A detailed 19th-century etching by Franciscus Andreas Durlet, depicting a monarch in an ornate interior setting.

This etching by the Belgian artist Franciscus Andreas Durlet depicts a scene of regal indulgence, often identified by the title Koning met een pauw. The composition features a seated monarch, draped in heavy robes and wearing a turban, who is being served by an attendant. The setting is architectural, defined by a large, ornate column that anchors the right side of the frame, draped with heavy, decorative fabric.

Durlet employs a precise, calligraphic line quality to define the textures of the drapery, the stone of the column, and the facial features of the figures. The scene is filled with period-specific details, including a table set with vessels and a small group of musicians visible in the upper left background. The inclusion of a peacock, a symbol often associated with vanity or royal status in historical iconography, adds a layer of narrative curiosity to the domestic interior.

As an artist active in the mid-19th century, Durlet was known for his engagement with historical and architectural subjects. His work reflects the period interest in reviving past styles, often seen in the neo-Gothic and romanticised depictions of historical life. The etching demonstrates a high degree of control over light and shadow, using cross-hatching to create depth within the interior space. The figures are rendered with a focus on gesture and costume, characteristic of the illustrative traditions of the time. This print offers a glimpse into the technical skill of 19th-century Belgian printmaking, where the artist balanced narrative storytelling with architectural precision. The work is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, reflecting its status as a representative example of Durlet's graphic output.