Important Cultural Property Western Kings on Horseback

“Western Kings on Horseback” is typical of early Western-style painting which was established in the latter half of the 16th century in Japan. This work is said to have been inspired by a book published in Antwerp entitled, “The Roman Emperors” a collection of copper plate prints modeled on the paintings of the Flemish painter, Jan van der Straet, who later became known as Giovanni Stradano (1523-1605) after he moved to Italy. Originally, these paintings are believed to have decorated the interior of Aizu Wakamatsu Castle. These screens are the other half of pair of four-fold screens housed in Kobe City Museum. The names of the figures are not known, although one is thought to be the French king, Henry.