Portrait of Louis XIV as a Child, French School, 17th/18th century

Portrait of Louis XIV as a Child (Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 1638 – Versailles, 1715)

French School, 17th/18th century

Oil on canvas (64 x 49 cm. – in frame 79,5 x 64,5 cm.)

Full details of the painting (click HERE)

The analysis of this portrait, and in particular the typology with which its features were delineated, takes us back to the great tradition of the French school between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries: it depicts Louis XIV of Bourbon, as a child (Saint-Germain-en-Laye, 1638 – Versailles, 1715), before his actual ascension to the throne at the age of 16, and later known by the nickname of the Sun King.

The 'boy king' Louis XIV ascended to the throne at the age of 5, upon the death of his father in 1643, but the government of the kingdom remained for a long time in the hands of his mother, the regent Anne of Austria, and the powerful Cardinal Mazarin, and was only able to effectively wear the crown upon the latter's death in 1661.

There are numerous portraits of the ruler as a child, including those by Charles Le Brun, who portrays him with his brother Felipe, or that of Nicolas de Largilliere, who includes him as a child in a scene with his family.

Consider that portraits of Louis XIV, from his childhood, were designed to project an image of power, authority and royalty and such portraiture was part of a complex propaganda system to increase his reputation as the most powerful monarch in Europe, despite his young age.

The painting in particular is based on one of the numerous prints of the time (see some examples in detail) dedicated to the young ruler, from which it is possible to compare the features and attributes, which portrayed him, with representative clothes and accessories like the one presented here, to celebrate the young man's ascension to the throne and his proclamation as King of France.

Specifically, we see him proudly gazing out at the viewer, holding a scepter in his right hand and a silver-decorated sword hilt visible from his left cuff, heightening the formality and solemnity of the portrait. He also wears a sash with the brooch of the Order of the Holy Spirit, also known as the Order of the Cordon Bleu, the most prestigious order of chivalry of the French monarchy and one of the most important in Europe.

The Order's emblem is a cross, similar to the Maltese cross, with four bifurcated arms, and a silver dove with outstretched wings and its head facing downward. The king's sons were members from birth, but did not receive the Order's insignia until they were 12 years old.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included.

If you have the desire to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you!

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

Follow us also on:

https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/