1875 Steel Engraving Diane De Poitiers Portrait Costume Renaissance XEA6

This is an original 1875 black and white steel engraving of Diane de Poitiers, favored mistress of King Henry II of France. She was an educated woman and a gifted conversationalist, who was Henry's lifelong companion despite his marriage to her relative, Catherine de' Medici. Not only did she make sure Henry produce an heir with his wife, she also wrote his letters, gave him advice, and took care of his children for years. However, after he became mortally wounded in a jousting accident, Catherine forbade Diane from seeing him, and banished her immediately following her husband's death. Diane died at sixty-six, and when her remains were examined in 2009, large traces of gold were found in her hair, suggesting that the flecks of gold she would drink to stay young was ultimately what killed her. CONDITIONThis 136+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. No creases. No natural defects.No surface rub.No tears. No water damage. Please note that there is a blind