Godfrey of Bouillon (1060-1100) was one of the principal leaders of the First Crusade. After the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, he was elected as the first sovereign of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Out of humility, he refused the title of "King," preferring that of "Advocatus Sancti Sepulchri" (Defender of the Holy Sepulchre). His reign, though brief, was marked by organizing the foundations of the new kingdom and establishing the legal code known as the Assizes of Jerusalem.

Claude Vignon was one of the most prolific and versatile French painters of the 17th century. Trained in Italy where he was influenced by Caravaggism, he developed a personal style characterized by dramatic lighting effects and great expressiveness. Official painter to Louis XIII and Richelieu, he created numerous religious and historical works. Besides painting, he was also a recognized engraver and art dealer, contributing significantly to the artistic life of Paris in his time.

Our drawing is after Claude Vignon's engraving The King of Jerusalem; the only difference is that he is not bearded.
It bears an apocryphal signature "Greuze" in the lower right corner.