Afrontes

Afrontes refers to a type of late medieval and early Renaissance iconographic motif, specifically a painting or sculpture depicting the Disheveling of the Furies or the unveiling of the face of a seated person, typically a king or a noble.

The term "afrontes" is derived from the Latin word meaning "facing" or "opposite", likely in reference to the composition's formal structure. This theme often depicted a seated figure, usually a regal or aristocratic personage, gazing directly at the viewer, while the covering figure or Furies are usually perceived from the side or from behind.

In art historical context, afrontes emerged during the 15th and 16th centuries, often associated with Flemish, Burgundian, and other Northern European artists. This artistic genre became particularly popular in illuminated manuscripts and book covers from that region.

On occasion, a frontis of a king can signify the right of succession or legitimacy, thereby causing the viewer to focus upon these two associations, succession and legitimacy. Another association with male roles in power led to the publishing of illustrations on book covers, again emphasizing succession.