History

Henry of Navarra was the great religionist. Originally he was the head of the Huguenot faith in the country. As such, he led since 1572 war against the Catholic royal house Valois. When the royal house of Valois died out in 1589, Henry of Navarre changed religion and became Catholic, to become King of France. He coined the slogan: "Paris is worth a fair". Henry of Navarra

was elected on

February 27, 1594 in Chartres king of France and was called from then Henry IV.
Henry IV ended the religious wars between the Huguenots and the Catholic Church. At this time Paris was still occupied by the Catholic League and the Spanish troops. There should be no bloodshed on the takeover of Paris. Therefore, as with other cities, the governor and other dignitaries were bought.

Depicted is the entry of Henry IV (of Navarra) in Paris on March 22, 1594. Henry IV is the rider in the middle, who is depicted with all his dignity. He wears his "lion armor", a lion's head can be seen on his right shoulder and his right knee. Furthermore, his cross order is visible on the front of the tank. All three flags represent the coats of arms worn by him.
Henry IV is greeted by the head of the merchants, L'Hullier, who hands him the keys of the city. Also depicted on his left is Count of Brissac, Charles de Cossé, Governor of Paris, who greets him with his hat. He was named after the peaceful handover of the city as thanks to the Marshal. On the left, the loyal Néret with his two sons, who fought for Henry IV and opened the city gates of Paris on this day.
On the right is the Maréchal de Matignon pictured on the horse swinging the sword. Next to the horse is Saint-Luc d'Epinay, who asks a Spaniard to leave the city. The Spaniards led by Duke of Feria had to leave Paris on the same day. In the background is the Porte Neuve, through which Henry IV came to the city, as well as the unfinished Petite Gallery.