Portrait of Marguerite of Navarre

Marguerite was the sister of King Francis I of France and the painting may be by his court artist Jean Clouet, who portrayed the King against a similar red patterned brocade background with a contrasting green draped ledge (Louvre, Paris). The cupid brooch worn by Marguerite on her hat and the prominently displayed ring suggest the portrait may have been painted to celebrate her marriage to the King of Navarre in 1527. The meaning of the parrot is uncertain. It could symbolise marital chastity, but it may also have a family significance; a similar parrot was included in an earlier portrait of her brother by Clouet. Other symbolic allusions may be found in the decorative golden knots on her headress which resemble daisies - marguerites in French.