French School Artist, Portrait of Louis XIV as a Child, 1680, Oil on Canvas

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Portrait of louis xiv as a child (saint-germain-en-laye, 1638 – versailles, 1715)

french school, 17th/18th century

oil on canvas (64 … Read more 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. - framed 79.5 x 64.5 cm.)

the analysis of this portrait, and in particular the typology with which its features were depicted, brings us back to the great tradition of the french school between the 17th and 18th centuries: it depicts louis xiv of bourbon as a child (saint-germain-en-laye, 1638 – versailles, 1715), before his actual accession to the throne at the age of 16, and later known as the sun king.

the 'child king' louis xiv ascended the throne at the age of 5, upon the death of his father in 1643, but the government of the kingdom remained in the hands of the his mother, the regent anne of austria, and the powerful cardinal mazarin, who was able to wear the crown only after the latter's death in 1661, have been crowned.

there are numerous portraits of the ruler as a child, including those by charles le brun, who portrays him with his brother felipe, and by nicolas de largilliere, who includes him as a child in a scene with his family.

it should be noted that portraits of louis xiv, from his childhood onwards, were designed to project an image of power, authority, and royalty, and such portraiture was part of a complex propaganda system to enhance his reputation as the most powerful monarch in europe, despite his young age.

the painting in particular draws on one of the many contemporary prints (see some examples in detail) dedicated to the young ruler, from which it is possible to compare the features and attributes that portrayed him, along with formal clothing and accessories like the one presented here, to celebrate the young man's accession to the throne and his proclamation as king of france.

specifically, we see him proudly gazing toward the viewer, holding a scepter in his right hand and the hilt of a silver-decorated sword 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 insignia of the order 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 children were members from birth, but did not receive the order's insignia until they were 12 years old.

additional information:

the work is sold with a beautiful frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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