~ Framed Portrait of Childeric III – The Phantom King Of The Franks ~
Here is a portrait of the last Salian Frankish King of the Merovingian dynasty, from a period known as “The Time of Idle Kings”.
In this time the royal role was reduced more and more to a purely ceremonial one.
Childeric III was a bastard son of an unknown paramour to the previous king. Perhaps this fact, magnified by the young man’s reluctance to perform any duty was what brought about a change in the rule of the once turbulent tribes of territories long claimed from Roman Gaul (areas that are now parts of France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany).
Officially deposed by Pope Zachary and forcibly shaved and forced into monasticism, it seems that his monarchy made little impact and ultimately was not celebrated (hence the nickname the Phantom King) – it was an unhappy life that Childeric endured.
This seems to be echoed in the words beneath this portrait which we have roughly translated as the following :
“I quake with a horror of the Throne, by my overflowing senses I am carried to the precipice of ruin.
Monarchs learn that love of delights and love of grandeur are sworn enemies.”
This print appears to be an etching from some distant historian’s collection. It is fly-mounted on orange surrounded by a forest green. The frame has a beaded profile and has a nice antiqued gold effect. It is of considerable age, possibly 17th century or even earlier.
~ Dimensions ~
The frame is 9.5 inches (24 cm) tall, 7.5 inches (19 cm) wide and three quarters of an inch thick (2cm).
It weighs 330 g.
~ Condition ~
The print is slightly worn from age (as pictured) but has been fly mounted with care. The frame and glass is in very good condition.
#5806
