This article examines the connection between vesture, faith and political role during the early Wars of Religion in the 16th Century France. The article is mainly focused on the Catherine de Medici, the "Black Queen", who ruled France as a queen-regent or queen-mother during the years 1559-1588.
Her use of black vesture is described under the scope of her political programme and ambition for religious conciliation. As a particular example of period uses of black colour is presented emanel painting "The Triumph of the Eucharist and of the Catholic Faith" commisioned by the de Guise family to Leonard Limousin.