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François Clouet Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by François Clouet our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide François Clouet · 1510 – 1572

Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87) by François Clouet, 1560

1560 · Royal Collection, London

Admire Mary, Queen of Scots in exquisite detail! This François Clouet miniature captures her regal beauty & symbolizes her French marriage with a striking ring gesture. A royal treasure from the Royal Collection.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #1: Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87)

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18125 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Henri II of Valois and Caterina de' Medici, Surrounded by Members of Their Family by François Clouet

Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

François Clouet’s portrait of Henri II & Caterina de’ Medici showcases Renaissance elegance in a detailed family group. Explore this opulent oil painting's rich history & artistic mastery.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #2: Henri II of Valois and Caterina de' Medici, Surrounded by Members of Their Family

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$50632 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Mary, Queen of Scots

1560 · Wallace Collection, London · original 29.0 x 25.3cm

This serene Renaissance portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots by François Clouet captures royal dignity. Discover this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #3: Mary, Queen of Scots

Art Movement: Renaissance

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587) by François Clouet

1559 · Victoria and Albert Museum, London · original 31.7 x 23.5cm

This Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures the regal dignity of Mary, Queen of Scots. Shop this exquisite hand-painted reproduction.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #4: Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587)

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Francis I, King of France (1540)

1540 · Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence · original 27 x 22 cm

Admire François Clouet’s ‘Portrait of Francis I’! A regal 1540 oil painting showcasing the French king on horseback, masterful realism & Renaissance style.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #5: Portrait of Francis I, King of France

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Elisabeth of Austria, Queen of France by François Clouet

1571 · The Louvre, Paris · original 36 x 26 cm

Discover this striking 16th-century portrait of Elisabeth of Austria by François Clouet, capturing Renaissance elegance; bring this masterpiece home today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #6: Elisabeth of Austria, Queen of France

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18126 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

A Lady in Her Bath by François Clouet

1571 · National Gallery of Art, Washington · original 92 x 81 cm

Discover Renaissance grace with Clouet's intimate portrait of a lady in her bath, blending Flemish realism and Italianate elegance; own this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #7: A Lady in Her Bath

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18130 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37781 × 92 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Francis I, King of France by François Clouet, 1540

1540 · The Louvre, Paris · original 280 x 227 cm

Experience the majesty of Francis I, King of France, in this exquisite 1540 portrait by François Clouet. A stunning hand-painted reproduction – a royal masterpiece.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #8: Portrait of Francis I, King of France

Art Movement: Renaissance

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

François Clouet, Unknown lady, probably an Italian, known as (1555)

1555 · Château de Chantilly, Chantilly · original 5 x 23 cm

François Clouet's enigmatic 'Unknown Lady' captures a woman of quiet strength and defiance, painted around 1555. A captivating portrait reflecting Renaissance elegance and intrigue.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #9: Unknown lady, probably an Italian, known as

Art Movement: Mannerism
Color Palette: Pastels

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Odet de Coligny, Cardinal de Châtillon (1548)

1548 · Condé Museum, Chantilly · original 94.0 x 73.0cm

This dignified Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures a high-ranking clergyman in rich red attire. Discover this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #10: Odet de Coligny, Cardinal de Châtillon

Art Movement: Renaissance

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$35973 × 94 cm Commission at original size

Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange – François Clouet

1570 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh · original 31.1 x 24.6cm

This Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures a nobleman in rich crimson. Discover the elegance of this timeless masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #11: Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

King Charles IX of France, François Clouet

1561 · Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna · original 25.0 x 21.0cm

This regal Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures King Charles IX. Discover the exquisite detail of this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #12: King Charles IX of France

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Man, so-called "Don Juan". (1555)

1555 · Czartoryski Museum, Krakow · original 31.0 x 23.0cm

This Renaissance portrait by François Clouet features meticulous detail and elegant lines. Discover this masterpiece at WahooArt today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #13: Portrait of a Man, so-called "Don Juan".

Art Movement: Renaissance

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Mary, Queen of Scots, François Clouet

1561 · Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh · original 32.9 x 27.4cm

This Renaissance portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots by François Clouet exudes royal dignity. Discover this exquisite masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #14: Mary, Queen of Scots

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18129 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of King Charles IX of France (1566)

1566 · Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna · original 222.0 x 115.0cm

This regal French Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures royal majesty. Explore this exquisite masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #15: Portrait of King Charles IX of France

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18123 × 44 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$919115 × 222 cm Commission at original size

Charles IX (1570) by François Clouet

1570 · Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham · original 30.5 x 22.9cm

This Renaissance portrait of Charles IX by François Clouet exudes regal dignity. Explore this masterpiece and bring courtly elegance home.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #16: Charles IX

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Catherine de' Medici (1580) by François Clouet

1580 · Walters Art Museum, Baltimore · original 33.7 x 25.4cm

This dignified Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures a queen in somber elegance. Discover this masterpiece at WahooArt today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #17: Portrait of Catherine de' Medici

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Man by François Clouet

1543 · National Gallery, London · original 31.8 x 23.5cm

This dignified Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures a man with meticulous detail. Explore this masterpiece of French art today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #18: Portrait of a Man

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Elisabeth of Austria, Queen of France, 1571, François Clouet

1571 · Condé Museum, Chantilly · original 37.0 x 25.0cm

This Renaissance portrait by François Clouet captures royal elegance. Discover the beauty of this masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #19: Elisabeth of Austria, Queen of France

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Charles IX, King of France (1550-1574) by François Clouet

1562 · original 43.5 x 32.0cm

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #20: Portrait of Charles IX, King of France (1550-1574)

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19332 × 44 cm Commission at original size

Marie de Gaignon, Marquise de Boissy (c. 1524-1565) by François Clouet, 1560

1560 · original 31.0 x 23.0cm

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #21: Marie de Gaignon, Marquise de Boissy (c. 1524-1565)

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Henry II (1519-1559), King of France. (1559) by François Clouet

1559 · original 38.0 x 29.0cm

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #22: Henry II (1519-1559), King of France.

Art Movement: Renaissance

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18429 × 38 cm Commission at original size

Claude de Beaune de Semblançay, Lady of Chateaubrun (c. 1530-1571)., 1563, François Clouet

1563 · original 31.0 x 22.5cm

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #23: Claude de Beaune de Semblançay, Lady of Chateaubrun (c. 1530-1571).

Art Movement: Renaissance

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18126 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Admiral Gaspard II de Coligny

1550 · Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis · original 20.4 x 14.8cm

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18127 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Marguerite of Valois (1560) by François Clouet

1560 · Condé Museum, Chantilly · original 31.0 x 24.0cm

View the most popular artwork of François Clouet ranked #25: Marguerite of Valois

Art Movement: Renaissance
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 80 artworks by François Clouet
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$18128 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

François Clouet

1510 – 1572

Quick facts

Color intensitymonochromatic, balanced
Emotional tonesomber, reflective
Creative periodsmature period
Topics exploredrenaissance, portrait, portraiture, woman, man
Copyright statusPublic domain
Corpus themesflemish naturalism, italianate grace, french renaissance portraiture, italian grace, royal court documentation
Best occasionsluxury, statement
Art periodRenaissance

Biography

A Legacy of Likeness: The World of François Clouet

François Clouet, a name synonymous with the refined portraiture of the French Renaissance, emerged from a lineage steeped in artistic skill and courtly favor. Born around 1510 in Tours, France, his life unfolded against a backdrop of evolving artistic sensibilities and the opulent world of the Valois monarchy. He wasn’t merely a painter; he was a chronicler of an era, capturing the essence of kings, queens, and courtiers with a meticulousness that continues to captivate viewers today. The shadow of his father, Jean Clouet, loomed large – both artists shared not only a profession but also the familiar nickname ‘Janet,’ leading to occasional confusion in attributing their works across generations. Yet, François carved his own distinct path, blending Flemish naturalism with an emerging Italianate grace, and establishing himself as one of France’s most celebrated portraitists.

Inheriting a Tradition: Early Life and Artistic Formation

The early years of François Clouet remain somewhat veiled in historical obscurity, but his artistic trajectory was undeniably shaped by the legacy of his father. Jean Clouet, originating from the Southern Netherlands, brought with him to the French court the meticulous detail and realistic approach characteristic of Flemish painting. This foundation formed the bedrock of François’s training. A pivotal moment arrived in 1541 when François inherited his father's estate, formally stepping into his artistic inheritance and assuming the responsibilities that came with it. This wasn’t simply a transfer of property; it was an assumption of a role within the very fabric of the French court. The Clouet family also enjoyed a unique connection to the Italian Renaissance through Jean’s time in Amboise, exposing François to the burgeoning ideals and innovative techniques emanating from Italy – a subtle but significant influence that would later manifest in his work. He absorbed not just technique, but an understanding of how art could serve as both documentation and celebration of power and status.

The Art of Revelation: Style and Major Works

François Clouet’s oeuvre is defined by a remarkable precision and elegance. His portraits weren't simply likenesses; they were insightful studies of character, capturing not only physical features but also the personality and social standing of his subjects. He possessed an extraordinary ability to convey royal authority and sophistication, as evidenced in several notable depictions of Francis I, examples of which reside in prestigious collections like the Uffizi Gallery and the Louvre Museum. Beyond Francis I, Clouet’s brush immortalized other key figures of the era. He likely painted portraits of Catherine de' Medici at Versailles, contributing to a visual record of her influential reign. Perhaps one of his most celebrated achievements is the chalk drawing of Mary, Queen of Scots, held in the Bibliothèque nationale – a work that showcases his mastery of capturing delicate features and conveying emotional depth with astonishing subtlety. Other notable works include portraits of Elizabeth of Austria (Louvre), Marguerite of France (Chantilly), and Charles IX (Château de Chantilly).

A Defining Aesthetic: Characteristics of Clouet’s Art

Several hallmarks define François Clouet's distinctive style.

Elaborate Detail: A meticulous attention to detail permeates his work, evident in the intricate rendering of clothing, jewelry, and facial features – every element contributing to a sense of realism and opulence.
Accurate Drawing: Clouet’s portraits are grounded in precise anatomical rendering and skillful use of line, demonstrating a mastery of draftsmanship that underpinned his artistic vision.
Exquisite Completeness: His compositions convey a sense of wholeness and personality, going beyond mere physical representation to capture the inner life of his subjects. He didn’t just paint faces; he painted individuals.

His paintings often possess a quiet dignity, a restrained elegance that reflects the refined sensibilities of the French court. The use of light and shadow – *chiaroscuro* – is subtle yet effective, adding depth and dimension to his portraits without resorting to dramatic contrasts.

A Lasting Impression: Historical Significance and Legacy

François Clouet’s contributions to French Renaissance art are profound. He played a crucial role in establishing portraiture as a prominent genre in France, elevating the status of the artist and providing invaluable visual records of the royal court. He bridged the gap between medieval artistic traditions and the emerging Renaissance ideals, incorporating naturalism and humanistic principles into his work. As a court painter for multiple French monarchs – Francis I, Henry II, Francis II, and Charles IX – he documented the lives and appearances of key figures in French history, creating a visual archive that continues to inform our understanding of this period. His meticulous style and attention to detail profoundly influenced subsequent generations of French portraitists, solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in the development of French art. François Clouet died on December 22, 1572, shortly after the tumultuous St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre – a poignant end for an artist who had dedicated his life to immortalizing the world around him. His will offers glimpses into his personal life and financial standing, further cementing his legacy as both an artistic master and a significant figure in French society.

Questions & Answers

What other names is François Clouet known by?

François Clouet is also known as Maistre Gouet, François Clavet, Jehannet Clouet, François Jehannet, François Cloet.

Where can I see all artworks by François Clouet?

Every work by François Clouet on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

Can I explore François Clouet's works by keyword?

To find works by François Clouet on a specific theme, use the artist's By Keywords page, which groups the artworks by keyword.

By the WahooArt.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

François Clouet was primarily known for what type of artwork?
Who was François Clouet's father, also a prominent artist?
François Clouet often painted members of which social class?
What nickname did both François and Jean Clouet share, sometimes causing confusion in art attribution?
A famous chalk drawing by François Clouet depicts which historical figure?

one You choose the size

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two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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