Hugh Capet, King of the Franks.

This print depicts Hugh Capet, the influential noble who became King of the Franks in 987 and established the Capetian dynasty, a line that shaped French monarchy for centuries. Published in Venice by Bernardo Giunti in 1588 as part of Cronica breve de i fatti illustri de' re di Francia, the engraving belongs to an illustrated chronicle intended to present a clear visual and textual record of the French royal succession. Capet is shown in the work's characteristic bust-length format, rendered with firm, economical lines that convey a composed and authoritative presence. The portrait reflects his historical significance as the ruler who brought the Carolingian period to a close and set the monarchy on a new and enduring path.